The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1854-02-16

after, seemed great aDSurulty 10 Squire
Crosby, and he inwardly resolved tc
write an article on the subject, and lei
the sterner sex know how much they
were imposed upon.
While rejecting upon this laudable
determination, Mrs Crosby had occupied
herself in jotting down a list of the
duties which demanded attention the
next morning. This she folded, and
quietly handed to her husband, request.
ing him to make out similar paper
that no mismanagement might ensue.
This list is no longer than usual ,
said the lady, smiling ct the earnestness
with which he surveyed it. ct &c
through with the same performance
every day. 1t is necessary, for they
cannot be omitted. But don't be fright.
ened you can take your own time,'
she added, in bantering tone.
Feigning the utmost Indifference to
the results, ne remarked that he should
probably 4" make quick work of it," and
placed the paper in his pocket, returned
to the Office
The liegc lord Of Mrs. Crosby prac-
ticed law in q suburban town, and had
acquired considerable property by the
same. His wife had independence
enough t. do her own housework, but
could not help thinking that she deserved
some credit for so doing She had no
particular desire to be praised "justice
where justice is DUE" was her motto !;
and our readers will perhaps coincide
with her in the belief that it was rather
hard to work busily whole morning,
and then be told "that she had done
nothing comparatively" 1t was not
encouraging, to say the least, and she
awaited the experiment of the next day
with much interest.
Morning came, and the squire aroused
his wife, and informed her in signifi-
cant tone, "that it was quite time to
dress and make fire." Mrs. Crosby
did not wait for second bidding, but
remarked, as she left the chamber,
|" that he might put himself in readiness
to see about breakfast"
Our heroine had taken the precau-
ton the night previous to prepare the
and in short time had a
brisk fire. She allowed herself to do
just what her husband had been in the
habit of doing, and no more. He usually
left the old coal and cinders for her to
sift and clear away, as well as the rem
nants of wood and shavings to pick up !;
and she didn't feel inclined to limit his
privileges at this time. The dining
table stood in the middle of the room,
also, covered with books, papers, writing
and other articles used the
evening before. These she did not
nolest, and without pulling up the shades
or putting back the chairs, she took a
and began to read.
The squire had evidently completed
bis toilet considerable quicker than COM
mon, but it was nevertheless, nearly an
hour before he made his appearance.
1t was something novel to see his wife
reading before breakfast, and he could
not help smiling to witness her perfect
sang froid.
"I've been up a long time, and re-
newed the FIRE twice, Mr.. Crosby" she
remarked, without looking up.
This was the Squire's favorite saluta-
ton when his wife happened to take an
extra nap of FIVE minutes.
The gentleman made no reply, for
be understood what the remark meant
without the aid of an interpreter. He
proceeded to business with great alac-
-ity, piling the books and papers upon
hairs, and nearly upsetiing the ink
'tand in his haste. After spilling
'ome oil, by carrying the lamp the wrong
way and allowing the kettle to boil over
ome FIVE minutes before he got ready
o take it out, he succeeded in getting
be cloth laid, though in rather an awk-
yard manner.
81 think should relish q piece Of
teak, Mr.. Crosby" remarked the lady
n the rocking chair.
"Ab, then you shall have it, "replicd
he housekeeper of the day, patronis-
pely, as he busted himself with uapkius