Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1857-04-17
& Storp tor Douug Gaoiss.
T,oowIru rOn A DomEsrIo wrEE.
bY KIT oAnLrLr.

II naroty KNOW which nko tue OeSt w
sephine Reynolds or Hettio Burke" said
young Benson to himself. Josephine is a
splendid looking girl, queen in every move
ment and commands admiration wherever
she Roos; but on tho other hand, Hottie IS n
little gem, and has n sweet disposition;
although, perhaps, Josephine has as good.
Both can shine in the parlor, and for
ought / know, in tho kitchen also, as all
farmers daughters should bo able to
do. Well, I'll call on them this Mon
day afterernoon, and cndeavor to decide
then. It's washing day, l know, but SO much
the better time TO sound thom on household
duties; and as l am going out Of town the
fore part Of this week, it will be good ex-
cuse for calling now"
George Benson was smart, intelligent
young man, poor, but engaged in profta-
bic business, which bid fair to, in few
years, place him in independent circumstan-
COS. He wished to marry, but felt the ne
cesity Of wedding some one who was domes-
tic, and who would be helpmate.
He was very much interested in both
Hettie and Josephine, and hardly knew
which he should prefer for a wife, as both
had many excellent qualities, but finally con-
cluded TO decide in favor of the one who
should prove the most domestic.
Georges walk that afternoon, brought
him to Mr. Reynolds about three o'clock
Josephine's mother came to the door and
ushered him into tho parlor. In few mo
ments Josephine entered and welcomed him
cordially. To his surprise instead Of SEEM
ing fatigued, as one will after Mondays
washing, she looked rs fresh as rose and
blooming as rose, and as trim in her dress
as though ready for party; whilc her
mother in her calico working dress looked
iaded and weary, referring by way Of apol-
ogy, to its being washing day soon left the
room.
"Excuse my calling on Monday, Miss
Reynolds" said George, "but was going to
leave town for a week, and l thought I'd
happen in for few moments before went" )"
10, you are perfectly excusable," :" replied
Joseph, "and / am very glad indeed that
you called"
~ shall make but short stay" continued
George, "as l presume you are quite weary
Will JOuI
40, no, not at all; 1 have been down tC
the village shopping all the afternoon
Mother always does the washing, as hav'n
any taste that way"
"Then you have been at liberty all day 7
"Yes, certainly; washing day is not diff
ferent with me from any other; never die
a Mondays washing in my life. Mothe
tried to initiate me into the mysteries of th'
art one day, but was so awkward that sht
had to give up tho experiment, and she sale
then that there was no danger of my max
ing washerwoman."
"Indeed," said George to himself.
"Father," continued Josephine, "woult
hire the washing done every week, Blu
mother would rather do it herself for econ
my's sake"
"a knowledge of housework, especiall
cooking, is very desirable in young lady,
replied George.
~ suppose it was once considered So" re
piled Josephine; "but gentlemen now-a-day
generally hire their wives a washerwoma
and housekeeper, and that answers ever
purpose and saves q lady the trouble of nc
quainting herself with such drugeries
gentlemen of the present day do not wisl
their wives to be slaves, but companions"
avery convenient logic for the ladies,
thought George.
"Some have taste for such duties, an
prefer to make themselves acquainted wit
them," said he, "for tho sake of overseeing
their servants, and knowing themselves tina
these things are done as they should be,
for no other purpose"
I"True, but am not ono Of that sort
abhor them. Housework is perfectly hatc
ful.-detestable to me. o, dear, l shoul
consider a man cruel who wished me to cor
fine myself to it, even part of the time."
"Well," continued George, drawing lon
breath, for he was surprised to hear Jose
phine express herself so directly contrary t
all his previous notions Of woman's dutie
"a lady sometimes marries poor man an
finds it for her interest to conform to eircun
stances, and attend to duties which arc nc
agreeable TO her for the sake Of assisting he
husband and rendering his burthen lighter
''Yes but make no calculations of til;
kind" said Josephine firmly, though plea
antly, for she was really an agreeable CIR
though allowed to grow up with erroneou
nations in regard to domestic affairs. E"
prefer not to wed man unless he is abl
and willing to support me in ease and style.
"Then you would not make the right kin
of fawife for me" thought George, thorough
ly sick Of Josephine's remarks; and as soc
as possible he changed the topic of conve
sation.
@What lucky escape" said our friend
himself an hour afterwards, as he wendS
his way towards Hettie Burko's. ats
good thing for mo that sounded her upc
housekeeping before l proposed, otherwi
might have got myself into pretty f
What figure should cut with such
wifel Why, should be obliged to tu
txasher-woman myself, for / couldn't affo
inmy present circumstances, to hire all II
work done. should have to stay at hon
and wash Monday, iron Tuesday, and pc
haps bake Saturday, leaving only three da,
cut Of seven 10 attend to my own busines
What fixl Beautiful times should hay
my business would be neglected, and
should be neglected, and should be poor
than ever; and even IL could afford to hi
a housekceper it wouldn't better it much,
/ should have 10 give her directions, al
SEQ that things were properly done, for Jo
phine is very far above such detestaJie mi
terra as she calls them. A man that Is Z