The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1862-10-01

pany, ana knowing Oy tnlS Time my lgno-
rance, shrank back affrighted from the
prospect. l confess, too, a feeling Of deep
modification that my husband could not
meet his most intimate friends without a
feeling of deep modification that my hus-
band could not meet his most intimate
friends without so serious drawback up
on his pleasure. All my natural energy
and pride was aroused, and determined to
become a good practical housekeeper, at
whatever cost Of time and labor. But
the present emergency was first to be at
tended to.
81 suppose l had better get some fresh
loaves from the bakeryi" Frank looked
at the dry, light slices on the breakfast
table, as he spoke.
"Yes, l think So"
"And some meat, Hattie. That forlorn
old roast has lasted a fortnight, am
sure. l think 1 should recognize its bones
if l saw them in Africa. Do you think
you could broil a steak, Hattiei"
Yes. But, Frank, you must come
out of the parlor and overlook me. And
if you will get some peas and lettuce, and
other vegetables, shall get up a famous
dinner"
A half smile fitted over his face. He
had heard of my famous dinners before.
"Well, we must do our best. The cars
will not arrive till two o'clock, so there
will be plenty Of time for marketing and
cooking"
"Is Mr.. Knowles very PARTICULAR" l
asked timidly. "Will he notice if things
should 60 just little wrong"
"Perhaps not. But he will have
natural curiosity in regard to the capabil-
tiles of his friends wife. But think we
shall do very we'll"
I" 1 am sure we SHALL" was my encour-
aging response, inspired by bright idea
that suddenly occurred to me. In accord
ance with it, my husband had no sooner
started for the market than |, slipping on
my hat and shawl, started on long walk
through the fields and woods. 1 was go
ing to consult my mother about dinner.
l surprised her by bursting into the din
ing room, quito out of breath from my
hurried walk, just as the family were sit
ting down TO q late breakfast.
ais it Hattie, or her ghost?" asked my
father, getting up to welcome me. If
my memory serves me, our Hattie used
TO be late riser"
Housekeeping improves me, papa"
"Don't wait to talk" said mama
"The coffee will be spoiled. Take off
your bounet, Hattie, while ] get another
cup and plate, and we will chat after
ward"
"No, thank you. l cannot stop a
minute" Mamma opened her eyes in as
constituent.
"You are not going to walk directly
back againl Let me take your shawl"
"But l must go. We are going to
have company for dinner-Frank's chum
and l want to know how long to boil
the potatoes and other"
Such chorus of laughter as interrupt
ed me.
"Why, my dear child, boil them till
they are DONE"
AZ know rs much as that, mamma !;
but when must l begin them, to have
them done at the right time? have got
peas to cook, and beefsteak, and l ought
to make pudding. Oh, dearp
They all laughed again, as much at
my distressed looks as at my ignorance.
/ did not join them; indeed, it was as
much as l could do to keep back my
tears.
at is not her fault that she knows so
little about cooking" at last said my
father, kindly. You must not mind
our laughing at you, my dear. l have
been longing to ask you what you put in
that mince pie ate at your table last
Sunday? l have tasted it ever since
But will not tease you, for l have no
doubt you will in time be as good cook
as your mother. And, now, as il regards
the present difficulty" he went on,
pleasantly, II have plan to propose
l will put the harness on old Fanny, and
you, mother, can take the poor child home
and stay 10 superintend this dinner"
Mamma always assents to papa's plans
so my load Of responsibility was gone
at once. 1t was pleasant to see the look
of relief on my husbands face as we drove
up to the door.
al have been searching everywhere for
you," he said, "and could almost find
il in my heart TO scold you for causing me
so much anxiety; but your safe return
satisfies me, especially as your excursion
has brought your mother in this extremi-
ty. But, Hattie, l must insist on your
having no more private walks"
"Ah, sirl if you had known you wo'd
have forbidden il. That would have
spoiled all"
/ have no doubt that Mr.. Knowles left
us that day under the impression that my
husband had secured matrimonial prize.
But I felt like a hypocrite for weeks af-
terwards.
1t came to pass, after many days, that
bakers bread became uncomfortable.
tried to believe il. ! praised and tasted
| "a. I,.t ,r1,1l sok l. -. l.. 4