The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-06-20


ject, and let the sterner sex know how
much they were imposed upon.
While rejecting upon this laudable de-
termination, Mrs. Crosby had occupied
herself in jotting down list of the du-
ties which demanded attention the next
morning. This she folded, and quietly
handed to her husband, requesting him
to make out similar paper, that no mis-
management might ensue.
"The list is no longer than usual" said
the lady, smiling at the earnestness with
which he surveyed it. II go through
with the same performance every day. 1t
is necessary, for they cannot be omitted
But don't be frightened; you can take
your own time" she added in banter
ing tone.
+ Feigning the utmost indifference to the
results, he remarked that he should prob
ably "make quick work of it." and plac-
ing the paper in his pocket, returned to
the Office.
The liege lord of Mrs. Crosby prac-
ticed law in suburban town and had
acquired considerable property by the
same. His wife had independence enough
to do her own work, 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 the
whole morning, and then be told "that
she had done nothing, comparatively
It was not encouraging to say the least,
and she awaited the experiment of next
day with great interest.
Morning came, and the Squire aroused
his wife, and informed her in significant
tone, "that it was quite time to dress and
make q fire." Mrs. Crosby did not wait
for second bidding, but remarked as she
left the char r, "that he might put him
self in readiness to see about breakfast. q
Our heroine had taken precaution the
night previous to prepare the kindlings
and in short time had a brisk fire. She
allowed herself to do just what her hus-
band had been in the habit of doing and
no more. He usually left the old coal
and cinders for her to sift and throw away,
as well as the remnants of wood and shaw
ings to pick up; and she didn't feel in
clined to limit his privileges at this time.
The dining-table stood in the middle o1
the room, also covered with books, papers
writing materials, and other articles used
the evening before. These she did not
molest, and without putting up the shades
or putting back the chairs she took up a
newspaper and began to read.
The Squire had evidently completed
his toilet sooner than common, but it was
nevertheless, nearly an hour before he
made his appearance. i 1t was something
novel to see his wife reading before break.
fast, and he could not. help smiling te
witness her perfect sang .froid.
(" I've been up q long time, and renew
ed the fire twice, Mr.. Crosby" she re-
marked without looking up
This was the Squirrels salutation wher
his wife happened to make an extra naE
of five minutes. oTa1
The gentleman made no reply for HI
understood what the remark meant with
out the aid of an interpreter. He pro
ceeded to business with great alacrity
piling the books and papers upon chairs
and nearly upsetting the inkstand in hi
haste. After spilling some oil by carry
ing lamp the wrong way, and allowing
the kettle to boil over some five minutes
before he got ready to take it out, he sue
ceeded in getting the cloth laid, though
in rather an awkward manner z,
I" i think / should relish piece Of beef
steak, Mr.. Crosby" remarked the lady il
the rocking chair.
"Ah, then you shall have it,n replied
the housekeeper of the day, patronizingly
. as he busted himself with napkins, cups
saucers, plates, knives, forks, &c. HI
tried to recollect how Mrs. Crosby ar
ranged them, but in spite of all his at
tempts, he couldn't make the table lool
as she did. He made no application t.
that lady for advice, however, and sh
apparently was absorbed in her reading
AdjoHrning to the kitchen the Squir
attended to the making Of "deliciou
|cup of coffee" and had long struggl
with the beefsteak, which refused to broi
to his satisfaction. When returning t,
the dining-room after "a long absence
Hooking beaten and impatient, Mrs Cros
by remarked, consulting her watch, "tha
he had been absent long enough to max
q beefsteak.n
| This observation the Squire remember
led to have heard before, but did not max
Fit apparent. At length the coffee an
Emeat were brought in, and all thing
were pronounced ready by the oficiatinl
master of the ceremonies. -,
+ Mrs, Crosby seated herself and hega
ITO carve; the Squire took his place at th
head Of the table and proceeded to pou
Tout the coffee. .-s,,...@s
1.-The bread, Mr., Crosby" suggeste
the lady. Is, e9s. l.ir gs.. ss3,5es ..a
Bless me, forget itl' he exclaimed
/ dropping the cofee-pot and jumping u
SO hastily that he came near operturninl
the table, Nz .-- 10 4a.5rall q
The bread was soon nroduced. cr,t i,