Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-06-15
Married Politeness.

There is much truth, as well as that kind of
philosophy which comes into every day requisi
iiop, helping to strengthen and brighten the ties
of social affection, in the suIjoined brief article
taken from the Ladies' Enterprise ~
eWill you 2" asked pleasant voice.
''And the husband answered, "Yes my dear,
with pleasure"
1t was quietly, but heartily said the tone, the
manner, the look, were perfectly natural and
very affectionate. We thought, how pleasant
that courteous reply, how gratifying it must be
to the wife. Many husbands of ten years expe-
rience are ready enough with the courtesies of
polteness to the young ladies of their acquain-
tance, while they speak with abruptness to the
wife, ,and do many rude little things without con-
sidering them worth an apology. The stranger,
whom they may have seen but yesterday, is lis
tened to with Difference, and although the sub
iect may not be one of the most pleasant nature
with ready smile; while the poor wife if she
states domestic grievance, is snubbed, or lis
tened to with i'll concealed impatience. Oh !!
how wrong this is-all wrong.
Does she urge some request9 "Oh don't both
er mel" cries her gracious lord and MASTER
Does she ask for necessary funds for Susy's shoes
or Tommy's hat? "Seems to me you are always
wanting money!" is the handsome retort. Is
any little ytra demanded by masculine appetite,
it is ordered, not requested.
"Look here, want you to do 30 and so just
see that it's done; and off marches Mr.. Boor,
with q bow aud a smile of gentlemanly polish
and friendly sweetness for every casual acquain-
tance he may chance to recognize.
When we meet with such thoughtlessness and
coarseness, our thoughts revert to the kind voice
and gentle manner of the friend who SAID =
Yes, my dear, with pleasure" 81 beg your
pardon" comes as readily to his lips when by
any little awkwardness he has disconnected her,
as it would in the presence of the most fashion
able stckler for etiquette. This is because he
is thorough gentleman who thinks his wife in
all things entitled to precedence. He loves her
best; why sbq1d he fail to show it, not in sick
ly, maudlin attentions, but in preferring her
pleasure, and honoring her in public as well as
private. He knows her worth: why should he
hesitate to attest it2 "ADd her husband he
praiseth her." saith Holy Writ not by fulsome
adulation, but by speaking, as opportunity oc-
ours, in manly way of her virtues. Though
words may seem little things and slight atten
tions almost valueless, yet, depend upon it, they
keep the flame bright, especially if they are nat
ural The children grow up in better moral
atmosphere, and learn to respect their parents
as they see them respecting each other. Many
boy takes advantage of mother he loves, be-
cause he sees often the rudeness of his father
Insensibly he gathers to his bosom the same
habits, and the thoughts and the feelings they
engender and in his turn becomes the petty ty-
rant Only his mother why should he thank
herr father never does. Thus the home be-
comes the seat of disorder and unhappiness.-
Only for strangers, are kind words expressed,
and the hypocrites go out from the learth-stone
fully prepared to render justice, benevolence,
and politeness to any one, and every one, but
those who have the jLstest claims. All! give
us the kind glance, the happy homestead, the
smiling wife and courteous children of the friend
who said, so pleasantly, Eyes, my dear-with
pleasure"