Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1858-08-13

ner huspanu. lelI sorry my uncere-
monious visit should have produced such
an alteration in the arrangements; for
could tell from the sundry productions
of keys, etc. that many articles not in
common use were to be brought out, and
the evening meal to be deferred on my
account Besides this, | felt grioved at
Mr.. Whitford's ill-concealed vexation,
not displayed towards me, but his wife.
At length we were summoned into the
dining room; and truly, wonderful
change had been effected there. "A bright
ire Illuminated every corner; an elegant
tea cquipage was on the table; in short,
everything looked--as / had hoped at
first to find it--in accordance with the
position of the owners. Moreover, the
pleasant aspect of affairs banished the
cloud from Mr. Whitfords face, and SO
agreeably did the time pass, that quite
regretted when the time come to bid my
niece good night"
Z" Good night, dear aunt" said Clara,
affectionately kissing me do come again
very soon, but do let me know when to
expect you"
" And then" added Mr.. Whitford,
after the door was closed, ''the dining
room fire will be lighted before your ar
rival. Dear aunt, what do you think Of
Clara's new notions respecting domestic
economy? When we were first married
she was rather ignorant of household
matters; now we are so exceedingly Or
derby and careful, that everything is too
good to use. The drawing room first
became 50; then the dining room under
went thorough renovation; and the
nursery resorted to for temporary con-
venience during the repairs, has become
our regular abode, the others being used
only on state occasions. Probably our
next move will be into the kitchen.
60 to 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 pro-
duces quite domestic revolution; for
plate, china, in fact everything present.
able, is laid up in lavender, like the
rooms. wish you would say something
to Clara on the subject, as know you
possess great influence in that quarter. !"
Have you named the matter, Fred
erick p asked.
"Oh, yes, thousan(htimes, | think /;
but / cannot effect any change. ] trust
| you will be more successful"
81 will try, at any rate" said |, as |
took leave of my nephew in law.
Having thought over the matter, l
arranged my plan of operation. ] deci-
ded it would be better to try the effect of
an opposite picture on Clara's mind, be-
fore giving utterance to any remon-
STRANGE, for | well knew that housewives
do not generally relish the pointed in
reference Of their elders. / therefore
called for Clara--having previously Civ
en- her due notice of my intention-to
accompany me in lorg ramblc; and l
contrived to be near Mrs. Ash5urton's
just as tea time was approaching and we
were thoroughly tired.
Clara" said / "what is to prevent
US obtaining rest and refreshments? |
can insure you a welcome to both, and,
beside, you are not quite stranger to
Mrs. Ashburton."
"0h, dear aunt, I could not think of
such thing; We should be sure to cause
Inconvenience
You shall Judge for yourself, Clara"
| answered, 'and if you think so half
an hour hence, wc will journey homo
ward"
The moment VIC were admitted, /
frankly told my friend that had come
expressly to claim her oft rendered hos
pitality for my niece and self; and we
were tired, but still had a long walk be-
fore us.
How glad ! am that my house lay
in your routep' replied she. Tea is
just coming in, and my husband will be
here directly"
In few moments he arrived and we
were all seated, prepared to join in the
social meal. | noticed Clara's glances at
tho perfect order which surrounded us
and the elegant but simple preparations
for the repast. Besides these, it was i'm
possible not to feel the thorough comfort
difTused around US.
I" Ny niece" said I to- Mrs. Ashbur-
tor, was afraid Of causing you incon-
venience by coming unawares, and taking
two places at your tea table by storm
A CHEEKY laugh from Mr. Ashburton,
and bright smile from his wife, follow
ed my words. "Mrs. Whitford," said the
gentleman, 81 am the most fortunate
fellow in the world, for nothing ever eau
ses my wife inconvenience You under
stand me, | dare say mean none Of
those'domcstie invasions which are usu-
ally expected to cause hustle. She has
peculiar theory Of her own, which she
most thoroughly reduces to practice, con-
sequently we are always able to welcome
a friend, however unexpected the guest
may be-"
Clara blushed, and stammcred few
words in reply; and perceiving her con-
fusion, | changed the conversation.
On our way home, after spending
delightful evening, my niece was unusu-
ally silent; but at length she asked it |
could tell her what theory Mr. Ashbur-
ton alluded TO when he said. Here
she hesitated
81 understand you, Clara" an
swored, land can explain it in few
words"
Mrs. Asbburton says that, being sure
of the daily presence Of one guest at her
table. whom che Mishee 10 honor above |