Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1858-08-11
TWO DOLLARS A YEAR.
again very soon, but do let me know
when to pyDact Won

after the door was closed, ''the dining.
room fire will be lighted before your
arrival. Dear aunt, what do you thihk
OF Clara's new notions respecting do
mestlc economy? When we were first
married she was rather ignorant of
household matters; now we are SO ex.
ceedmgly orderly and careful, that
everything is too good to use. The
draWlng-room first became so; then the
dining room underwent thorough rem.
ovation; and the nursery, resorted to
tor teniRory convenience during the re-
pairs, has secome our regular abode;
the others being ofis-sr ofiiss-stsssss on state oc-
casions. Probably our next. remove
will be in the kitchen. l go into other
houses and find that their masters can
introduce friend at any time, with the
certainty Of causing no embarrassment.
In my home, on the contrary, the call
OF relative even produces quite dom
este revolution; for plate china, in fact
everything presentable, is laid up in
lavender, like the rooms. / wish YOU
would say something to Clara on the
subject, as ! know you possess greatin.
t1uence III that quarter"
"Have you named the matter, Fred
erick?n | asked. "a.
ooh, yes, thousand times, ! think;
but cannot effect any change. trust
you will be more successful"
81 will try, at any rate" said /, as l
took leave of my nephew-in-law.
Having thought over the matter, l az
ranged my plan of operation. I decid.
ed it would be better to try the effect
of an opposite picture on Clara's mind,
before giving utterance to any remon-
STRANGE, for l well knew that young
housewives do not generally relish tho
pointed interference Of their elders. I
therefore called for Clara--having pre-
viously given her due notice of my in.
tentlon--to accompany me III long
ramble; and contriyed 10 be near Mrs.
Ashburton's just rs tea time was APP
preaching and we were thoroughly
tired.
"CIara," said l, "what is to prevent
our obtaining rest and refreshmenl?
can assure you welcome to both, and,
beside, you are not quite q stranger to
Mrs. Ashb,;rton."
"Oh, dear aunt, I could not think of
such a thing; we should be sure to cause
inconvenience"
''You shall Judge for yourself, Clara,
| answered, and if you think. SO half an
hosr hcnce,w we will journey homcward."
The moment we were admitted,
frankly told my friend that had come
expressly to claim her oft-tcndered hos
| pitality for my niece and self as we
were, but still had long walk before
us.
Chow glad l am that house lay in
your route!' replied she. "Tea is Just
coming in, and my husband will be hero
directly" .,a.a..
In a few moment he arrived, and we
were all seated, prepared to join in the
social meal. | noticed Clara's glancea
at the perfect order which surrounded
us, and the elegant but simple prepara.
tions for the repast. Besides these, It
was impossible not to feel the thorough
comfort diffused around us.
"My niece" said I to Mrs. Ashbur-
ton, ''was afraid of causing you incon-
vcnience by coming unawares, and tax.
ing two places at your tea-table by
storm"
A CHEEKY laugh from Ashburton, and
bright smile from his wife, followed
my words. "Mrs. Whitford," said the
gentleman, 81 am the most fortunate
fellow i'll the world, for nothing ever
causes my wife inconvenience. You
understand me, l dare say-I mean
none Of these domestic invasions which
are usually expected to cause hustle.
She has peculiar theory Of her own,
which she most thoroughly reduces to
practice, consequently we are always
able to welcome friend, however un-
expected the guest may be-
Clara blushed, and stammered few
words in reply; and perceiving her con-
fusion, ! changed the conversation.
On our way home, after spending q
delightful evening, my niece was unusu-
ally silent; but at length she asked if |
could tell her what theory Mr.. Ashbur-
ton alluded to wh.n he said---herc
she hesitated
Il understand you, Clara" l an
swercd: "ahd I can explain it in few
words. Mrs, Ashburton said that, be.
ing sure Of the daily presence of one
guest at her table, whom she wishes to
honor above at! other, she always pre-
pares for, that Que, and is, of course,
ready for any visitor and at any time"
''But | saw no guest beside our
rselyes."
Did you not ? And yet the person
| alliIlc to was there
"W herc|--whom do vou mean? You
are .esting."
''Indced my dear Clara, I am not
The one whom Mrs. Ashburton con-
tside'S worthy ofalI honor is her husband
She says, and think justly, that she
should deem her marriage vow but ill
performed did she bestow pains to make
her home attractive in the eye of