Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1856-05-30
LOOKING FOR A DOMESTIC WIFE.

"I hardly know which like best, Jo-
sephine Reynolds, or Hattie Burke" said
young Benson to himself. T' Josephine is
splendid looking girl, queen in every
movement, and commands admiration
wherever she goes; but on the other hand.
Hattie is little gem, and has sweet dis
position, although. perhaps. Josephine
has as good. Both can shine in the par>
Tor, and, for aught know. in the kitchen,
also. as all farmers daughters should be
able to do. Well, I'll call on them this
Monday afternoon, and endeavor to de-
eide between them. It's washing day l
know, but so much the better 10 sound
ON household duties; and as am going
out of town the fore part Of this week, it
will be good excuse for calling now"
George Benson was o smart. intelligent
young man, poor. but engaged in prof
table business, which bid fair in few
years, to place him in iudepe ndent cir
cumstances. He wished to marry, but
felt the necessity of wedding some one
who was domestic, and would be help
mate.
He was very much interested both in
Hattie and Josephine, and hardly knew
which he should prefer Tor a wife. as both
had very excellent qualities, but finally
concluded to decide in favor Of the one
who should prove to be the most domes>
tic.
Georges walk that afternoon brought
him to Mr.. Reynolds about three o'clock.
Josephiue's mother ushered him into the
parlor. In a few minutes Josephine en-
tered and greeted him cordially. To his
surprise, instead of being iatigued, as one
will after a Mondays washing. she look
ed as fresh and blooming as rose. and as
tim in her dress as though ready for
party while her mother, in her calico
working dress, looked jaded and care
worn. aud referring by way of an apolo>
to its being washing day, soon left the
room.
"Excuse my calling on Monday, Miss
Reynolds" said George, " but was go
ing to leave town for week, and l
thought would happen in a few mo-
ments before left"
90. you are perfectly excusable." said
Josephine. " am very glad indeed that
you called"
{" l shall make but short stay" con-
tinued George, "as l presume you are
quite wearied with your" |.
90, no. not at all, as have been down
to the village shoPpi 'g all the forenoon.
Mother always does Gle washing, as l
havn't any taste that way"
" Then you have been at liberty all
day p
" Yes. certainly !; washing day is not
different with me than any other; nev>
er did Mondays washing in my life
Mother tried to initiate me into the mys-
teries of the art one day but was so
awkward that she had to give up the ex>
pertinent, and she said then. that there
was no danger Of my becoming wash
mOman."
Indeed ~ said George to himself.
Father" continued Josephine,
would hire the washing done every
week. but mother says she had rather do
it herself. for economy's sake"
GA knowledge Of housework. especial
ly of cookery, is very desirable in young
lady," replied George.
Z" l suppose it was once considered So"
replied Josephine. " but gentlemen now
days generally hire their wives wash
woman and housekeeper, and that an
swers every purpose, and saves the la
dy the trouble Of acquaiating herself with
such diSagreeabIe matters. Gentlemen
Of the present day do not want their wives
to be slaves, but companions"
q Very convenient logic for the ladies'"
thought George.
Some have taste for such duties,
and prefer to make themselves acquainted
with them.' said he. for the sake OF
overseeing their servants and knowing for
themselves that things are done as they
should be. If for no other purpose
:" True, but I'm not of that sort ab-
hor them. Housework is perfectly hate
tul-detestable to me- o. dear | should
consider man cruel who wished me to
con6ne myself to it. even a part of the
time -'a
"Well." continued George, drawing a
long breath, for he was surprised to hear
Josephine express herself so directly con-
trary to all previous notions of woman's
duties, "aIadv sometimes marries poor
man and finds it for her and his interests
to conhne herself to circumstances, and
attend to duties which are not agreeable
to her. for the purpose of assisting her
husband and rendering his burthen light
er.'' 3ll9i f4-,7
q Yes. but make no calculations of
that KIND" said Josephine, firmly, though
pleasantly, for she was really an. agreea.
ole.gifl. though allowed to grow up with
erroneous notions in regard to domestic
affairs. 81 prefer not to we'd "a man un,
less he is'able and willing to suppost me
Ia ease and 4stvto al ~ tE.lf