True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1857-05-20

summed up, seemed c0mprehended IN the
old hateful word, retrenchment. But
there were promises made which must be
executed, and 10 retrieve a. scattered for.
tune and still keep the present comforta.
bic house they had occupied for years, ii
was necessary there should be diminu-
tion Of the small leaks
In early life, Mrs, Tidmarsh was edu.
Gated 10 domestic avocations. Her own
mother never kept servant, but the du.
ties of a household were discharged by
the three sisters, and very systematic and
orderly were all such arrangements car.
ried on. The retrospect of those days
were some of the most pleasant that
Mrs. Tidmarsh ever looked upon. But
then she married a rich man, and it was
necessary she should assume new posi-.
lion and change Of style. She COM
menced house keeping with a cook and
chambermaid. When Jennette was born
a constant nurse was added. When Ii
tus was announced, little choice girl
found occupation-and last Of all, since
Mr.. Tidmarsh had given dinner parties,
Peter the colored waiter was hired for all
choice occasions. For the last fifteen
years. the same appearances had been
maintained-fortune had smiled and there
was no turn in the long lane. No won
der then that little Jenny could not con-
prehend what tight money marke
meant, and even her mother had lived or
SO luxuriouslyit was difficult for her tc
know where TO begin change. Hel
eyes were beginning to wane, and how
could she dispense with a seamstress-
besides, it would be but saving of three
dollars per week, her board they did MOI
feel. II would cost great deal to hav'
the work done out of the house, besides
the inconvenience and trouble it woult
occasion. Susy the seamslress was
very indispensable person in keeping
wardrobe in good condition.
Maggy the chambermaid got up all th.
nice clea.-starching, and ironed Mr.. It'd
marsh's dickeys and bosoms with such q
waxy gloss that even experienced laun.
dresses had begged a receipt of her-and
how splendidly she made laces and col.
lars and all sorts of embroidery look!-
Why, she might as we'll not keep house
at all as dispense with the comforts in it,
Dinah the cook was an old, faithful
servant, who. had been with them for the
last five years. Who but she could roast
boil, fricassee and broil for Mr.. It'd,
marsh for he was very particular man,
and she was all in all at dinner party!
And Mrs. Tidmarsh felt that if she
should hold her face over the fire and pu
her delicate hands into all sorts of cook
cry, there would indeed be a change in
her appearance.
As to Rory the chore girl, she nigh
possibly dispense with her, and tha
would only save seventy-fve cents
week, and put poor dependent chilt
into the street, and Mrs. Tidmarsh hat
some conscientious scruples on that head
1t was rumored on Change that It'd
marsh & Co. had failed. We grnevet
for the gentleman and bis family, but still
we knew he had many friends and no
body would see them sutherland perhaps
they had lived too fast, and if all hei
earthly props were removed, it might b,
the means OF turning their thought
heavenward.
The crisis had passed. The bank
ruptcy had become nine days. wonder
Mr.. Tidmarsh was relieved man will
stup endous liabilities-but the most pain
full scene was acted--he had faced hi
creditors and now he could talk openly
about retrenchments.
Mr.. Tidmarsh concluded to take
small house in the suburbs. 1t had some
thing of the air of gentility and did no
seem as if they had all at once dropped
into the lap Of poverty. Many of thei
acquan:ances had done so, and were de
lighted with the change--so small house
was rented, from the threshold of whicl
the cars and omnibusses ran every hal
hour through the day. All. their friend,
and calling acquantanees were urged t,
visit them in their new quarters. TIL
city furniture was brushed up anew, an
the rooms in the cottage, though small
were convenient. And now came th
trial of living without single domestic
There was work 10 be done in such lin
tied quarters. The appetite craved foo
1.-The house would become dusty an
dirty, and there was a good deal Of ski
requisite to keep everything in a prope
condition to be always visible 10 every
body. Mr.. Tidmarsh had his. counting
room on the wharf and did not go HON
to dinner, but this, instead of being a
aid, proved a drawback, inasmuch as ther
was not often dinner provided. and
did seem that every person invited t
visit them was certain to accept the inv
talion.
Half a dozen times in day, when
was fair weather, Jenny would spy som
rather Indifferent acquaintance alightin
from the omnibus, 70 pass the day, Will
perchance from the back windows. lool
ing towards the depot, a whole group {
city girls had come to romp with Jenny
and mother told them all they might sta