Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1858-06-24

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| wish you would say something to Clara
on the subject. as | know you possess
great influence in that quarter"
Have yon named the matter, Freder.
ick?p | asked.
"Oh, yes, a thousand times, | think i;
but | cannot effect any change. trust
you will be more successful"
81 will try, at any rate" said |, as
took leave Of my nephew.
Having thought over the matter, !
arranged my plan of operation. ! deci'
ded that it would be better to try the
effect Of an opposite picture on Clara's
mind, before giving utteraace to any no
mo~nstrance, for | well know that young
housewives do not generally relish the
pointed Interference Of their elders. y |
therefore called for Clara-having preyi.
ously given her due notice Of my inten-
tion-to accompany me in q long rannie;
and | cont-ived to be near Mrs. Ashbur'
toms just as tea.time was approaching,
and we were thoroughly tired.
CLARA" said /, what is to prevent
our obtaining rest and r~efreshmentY
can assure you a welcome to both, and,
beside you are not quite a stranger to
Mrs. Ashburton."
"Oh, dear aant, | could not think OF
such q thing we should be sure to cause
Inconvenience
"You shall Judge for yourself, Glars, =
/ answered land if you think 80 haitian
hour hence, we we will journey home
ward"
The moment we were admitted, frank,
ly told my friend that | had come ex-
pressly to claim her oft rendered hospi-
tally for my niece and myself, as we were
tired, but still had a long walk before us.
How glad | am that your house lay
in my route?" replied she. "Tea is just
coming in, and my husband will be here
directly"
In a few moments he arrived, and we
were all seated, prepared to join in the
social meal. | Noticed Clara's chances at
the 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
difused around us.
My niece" said / to Mrs. Ashburton,
was afraid of causing you inconvenience
by coming unawares, and taking two pla-
ces at your table by storm"
A :heery laugh from Mr.. Ashburton,
and a bright smile from his wife, followed
my words. " Mrs. Whitford," said the
gentleman, I" | am the most fortunate man
in the world, for nothing ever causes my
wife inconvenience. You understand nae
/ dare say mean none Of those domes-
tic invasions which are usually expected
to cause a hustle. She has a peculiar
theory of her own, which she most thor
oughly reduces to practice, consequently
we are always able to welcome a friend,
however, unexpected it may be-"
Clara blushed and stammered a few
words in reply /; and perceiving her con-
fusion, | changed the conversation.
On our way home after spending de-
lightful evening, my niece was unusually
silent but at length she asked if | could
tell her what theory Mr.. Ashburton allu-
ded to when he said Here she hes
itated.
II understand you, Clara" answered
and | can explain it, in a very few
words. Mrs. Ashburton says that, being
sure of the daily presence Of one guest at
her table, whom she wishes to honor
above all others, she always prepares for
that one, and is Of course ready for any
| visitor, and at any time"
but | saw no guests beside ourselves
aunt"
did you not? And yet the person |
allude to was there
Where ?-whom do you mean?-You
are jesting."
Indeed, my dear Clara, | am not
The one whom Mrs. Ashbarten considers
worthy of all honor is her husband. She
says, and | think justly, that she should
deem her marriage vow bat ill performed
did she bestow pains to make her home
attractive in the eye of a stranger, the
grudge doing SO for him whom she has
promised to love, honor and obey-her
husband, and the father of her children
Clara did not speak in reply but when
we parted, the moistened cheek that
touched mine convinced me the lesson
was taken home and / have little doubt
when | next visit my niece, / shall find
her opinion changed as regards the guest
most deserving honor.