The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1858-09-29

went a thorough renovation, and the
nursery, resorted to for convenience dur
ing the repairs, has become our regular
abb de, the other being used on state &C.
c~asions only. Probably our next re-
move will be to the kitchen. l go into
other houses and find their masters can
introduce their frieuds at any time,
with the certainty of causing no embar-
rassment. In my home, on the contra
Try, even the call of a relative produces
quite a domestic revolution for plate,
china-in fact, everything preseutable
lis laid up in lavender, like the rooms.
1 wish that you would say something to
Clara on the subject, and | know you
possess great influence in that quarter"
d" Have you ever named the matter,
Frederic ?" 1 asked.
"Oh, yes, a thousand times, 1 think,
but [ cannot effect any change. 1 trust
you will be more successful"
81 will try at least" said 1, as L
took leave of my nephew.
Having thought over the matter, 1
arranged my plan of operation. l de-
clared that it would be better to try the
effect of an opposite picture on Clara's
mind, before giving utterance to any re-
monstrance, for l well knew that young
house wives do not generally relish the
pointed interference of their elders. /
therefore called for Clara, having previ-
ously given her due notice of my inten-
tioD, to accompany me in q long ramble;
and I contrived to be near Mrs. Ash
b%urton's just as tea time was approach
ing, and we were quite tired.
Clara" said l, what is there to pre-
vent our obtaining rest and refresh
ment l can insure you a welcome to
both ; and, beside, you are not quite a
stranger to Mrs. Ashburton."
"Oh dear; / could not think of doing
such a thing, we would be sure to cause
her inconvenience"
You shall judge for yourself, " 1 an.
s6ered, and if you think SO half an
hour hence, we will journey h~omeward.'
The moment we were admitted, I
told my friend I had come to
her oft rendered hospitality for
my niece and self as we were, but still
had a long walk before US.
"How glad 1 am that my house lay
in your route" she replied. "Tea is
just coming in, and my husband will be
here directly"
In a few moments he arrived, and we
we're seated, prepared to join in the So
bal meal. 1 noticed Clara's glance at
perfect order which surrounded US,
md at the elegant but simple prepare
ions for the repast. Besides it was i'm
possible not to feel the thorough comfort
around rs.
My %niece,' said l to Mrs. Ashbur-
ON, twas afraid that We should cause
iou Inconvenience by coming in and
aking two places at your tea-table by
A CHEEKY laugh from Mr.. Ashburton,
md a bright smile from his wife, follow
ID my words. Mrs. Whitford," said
he gentleman, al am the most fortu-
late fellow in the world, for nothing
yer causes my wife inconvenience. You
Understand me, I dare say-I mean none
f those domestic invasions which are
expected to cause a hustle. She ,
as a peculiar theory of her own, which 1
he most thoroughly reduces 10 practice, {
.onsequently w are always able to vel /
ONE a friend, however unexpected the I
all may be-" s
Clara blushed, aud stammered a few c
lords in reply; and, seeing her confu- c
ion, L changed the conversation. S
On our way home, after spending a t
.elightful evening, my niece was unusu- c
lfy silent but at fengIhsh askctff1c
ould tell her what theory Mr.. Asbur- e
IN alluded to when he said. Here t
ne hesitated i
81 understand you, Clara" 1 answer L
j, "and I can explain it to you in a q
w words. Mrs. Ashburtou says that
sure of the daily presence of one i
nest at her table, whom she wishes to C
onor above all others. she always pre- e
ares for that one, an diof course is ready s
II any visitor and at any time" r
But l saw no guest besides our e
Ives" G
"Did you not? And yet the person ii
allude to was there" 81
" Where ?-whom do you mean ? a
GU are surely jesting." re
Indeed, my Clara, I am not. The p
Ie whom Mrs. Ashbarton considers ST
'rthy of all honor is her husband. CT
lie says, and I think justly, that she
ould deem her marriage VOW but i'll ii
did she not bestow pains to et
her home attractive to the eye of it
stranger, and grudge doing SO for him
lom she promised to love honor and
ey-her husband, and the father Of
r children"
Clara did rot speak in reply; but
len we parted, the moistened che K
1T touched mine, convinced me the
son was taken home, and 1 have little ne
ubt that when I next visit my niece, n
'hall find that her opinion is changed B
regards the guest more deserving of Sc
nor. r
.f