American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-07-30
PARLOR DAUGHTERS.
BY A BACHELOR.

NlrlS, young lauleS, ana II you please,
mothers too, just listen a moment, for
L have short story to tell you; and
perhaps at the close of it, we will find
a "moral,' and perhaps sermon.
A few days since called on young
lady. | may as well say that, having
been considerably impressed" by her
beauty and brilliant conversation at
several evening social parties, 1 had
resolved to prosecute the acquaintance.
l will not affirm that there had not
tloated vaguely about. in my brain GER
tain pleasing rose colored Bachelor's 8
reveries," in which figured conspicu-
ously the beaming face and elegant
figure of Miss e.
BE that as it may, I called; and be-
ing ushered into the parlor, sat down
and awaited with some impatiencc the
appearance of the lady.
My attention. was soon arrested by
voices in an adjoining apartment, and
the door being ajar, 1 was perforco a
listener.
"Oh, Carrie" said very weak
voice, "if you would only have assist
ed me three hours day, this attack
might have been avcrted but now tbs
too late. | know that weeks if not
months of illness are before me. l am
all tired out.
Why, MOTHER" replied voice, al.
most petulantly-I had admired it the
evening previous, for its spirited vet
amiable tones" why mother, nobody
does kitchen work now at least nobo-
dy that is anybody. Just think of
Mrs. Smythe, or Miss Brown, or Mrs.
Soule, associating with your kitchen
girl, with her dingy hands. Why, the
idea is absurd and besides that, hate
housework."
Well" replied the invalid voice,
" l don't know what would have been
thought of your assisting me about the
house a few hours each day, but l do
know, that for the want of this help |
am now i'll. Yes, Carrie, for the want
of your help I have been obliged to
overtask myself"
Miss d. soon made her appearance,
with her winning smile, gay laugh, and
brilliant repartee !; but, somehow, the
image of her oyertasked mother con.
stantly came between her and my pre-
vious admiration; so, after a few i'll at.
ease attempts at conversation, I took
my leave.
AS | slowly walked away, musing
"a change came DER the spirit of my
Dreams A daughter who hates house
work, to such a degree as to allow hei
mother to get call tired out" and i'll.
from being overtasked, could such a
daughter become that most inestimablt
boon this side of heaven, q good wife /
What if her husband had wealth, &
filled his house with troops of servants
could he have a quiet, neat, well order.
cd home? Would his children have q
true mother? No. A parlOr daugAte,
will make q parlor aOJc. Brilliant,
tascInatlng-a rare and costly orna.
mcnt-challenging the admiration Of
the world, it may be, but never the
holy source and centre of the comfort
and peace of her family.
And thus rudely my rose. .colorcj
rcyerles were changed to sombrc. hucd
realities. l queried, was Miss T.. ar
exception to this rule How many
young ladies of my acquaintance were
really helps to their mothers in their
domestic affairs? How many would
not blush with shame at being seen al
making bread-hot cakes, but bread !
How many could cook and get on the
table a good dinner, or superintend and
direct such an undertaking? How ma.
ny to whom the old fashioned "disl
cloth is not "horrid thing? How
many could starch and iron shirt.
bosom or collar, so that it would look
respectfully?
Alas how few could I recall to nv
mind who would not properly be nun.
bcrcd in the long list Of those to wbor
these things were not only mysteries
but absolutely disagrceables and undc,
sirables
l say y for it is q sad thing
not only for US young men, the future
husbands Of these frail "lilies of the
field, who toll not neither do they spin, .
but to the daughters themselves.
Look at thcm-look at yourselves
young ladies. Where is now the round
plump, solid arm and check Of your
grandmother, at your age? Whore is
her power Of endurance, her exubcrant
spirits, depressed by no circumstances
her energy and self.rcliancc, equal tt
every emergency; ard where in the
future arc you to obtain strength tc
pass unscathod through the pcrils Of
maternity, as did she?
Look around you at tho young wivc,