Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-10-20

OAN1 u AdlO ~ " ldfCfEECTs
like the rooms. | wish you would say
something to Clara on the subject, as /
know you possess great iOluence in that
quarter"
"Have you named the matter, Freder-
ickp | asked.
"Oh, yGs a thousand times, l 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-inlaw.
Having thought over the matter, / ar
ranged my plan of operation. / decided
it would be better to try the effect Of an
opposite picture on Clara's mind, before
giving utteEance to any reHonStrance, for |
well knew that young housewives do not
generally relish the pointed interference of
their elders l therefore called for Clara
having previously given her due notice
of my intention-to accompany me in a
long ramble {; and | contr;Ved to be near
Mrs. Ashburton's just as tea-time was ap-
preaching and We were thoroughly tired.
"Clara," said /, what is to prevent our
obtaining rest and refreshments | can as
sure you a welcome to both, and besides,
you are not quite a stranger to Mrs. Ash
burton"
"Oh, dear aunt, | could not think of such
a thing; we should be sure to cause incon-
venience."
"You shall Judge for yourself, Clara" l
answered; "and if you think so half an
hour hence, we will journey homeward."
The m rs Hiphd F thE mere I h ssaaP tittthSs d ! f5ssk.
ly to claim her oft-tendered hospitality for
my niece and self as we were out, but still
had a long walk before us.
"How glad | am that my house Law in
your route !" replied she. "Tea is lust
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 So
cial meal. | noticed Clara's chances at the
perfect order which surrounded us, and the
elegant but simple preparations for the re-
past. Besides these, it was impossible not
tofeelthc thorough comfort diffused around
us.
MY niece" said / to Mrs. Ashburton,
"was afraid of causing you inconvenience
by coming unawares, and taking two pla.
ces at your tea-table by storm"
A CHEEKY laugh from Ashburton and 8
bright smile from his wife, followed my
words. "Mrs. Whitford," said the gentle,
man, Il am the most fortunate fellow il
the world, for nothing ever causes my wife
inconvenience. You understand me, | dare
say mean none of those domestic inva
sions which are usually expected to caus,
Il hustle. She has a peculiar theory ofhe
Own, which she most thoroughly reduce
to practice, consequently we are Away
able to welcome a friend, however unex
pectedly the guest may be-"
Clara blushed, and stammered a fe,
words in reply; and, perceiving her con
fusion, | changed the conversation.
On our way home, after spending a de
lightful evening, my niece was UNUSUAL
silent but at length she asked if | coul
tell her what theory Mr.. Ashburton allude
to when he said here she hcsitated.
81 understand you, Clara" l answered
sand | can explain it in a few words. Mr.
Ashburton says that, being sure of the da
~ PiSSNhoS VI Vic SuCSI az LcE IdDlc, WuOl
she wishes to honor above all others, 81
always prepares for that one, and is
course ready for any visitor and at n ytime
"But saw no guests beside ourselves
"Did you not? And yet the person
allude to was there"
where Whom do you mean0 "
are jcsting."
Indeed, my dear Clara, | am not. II
one whom Mrs. Ashburton considers wortl
Of all honor is her husba2 d. She SAYS, al
think justly, that she should deem h
marriage vow but i'll performed did she /
stow pains TO make her home attractive
the eye of a stranger, and grudge doing
for hin. whom she has promised to 10,
honor and ohey-her husband and the
Their of her children"
/ Clma did not speak in reply bat VIII
I we parted, the moistened cheek that touc
:, cd mine convinced me the lesson was tax
home; and | have little doubt that VIII
a | next visit my niece, | shall find her OBJ
: ion is changed as regards the guest mc
: deserving of honor.