Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1862-09-12

The drawing-room first became so ; thel
the dining.room underwent thorough re
novation and the nursery, resorted t.
for temporary convenience during the re
pairs has become our regular abode, tic
others being only used on state occasions
Probably our next remove will be into
the kitchen. I 90 in other houses, anc
find that their masters can introduce q
friend at any time, with the certainty ol
causing no embarrassment. In my home
on the contrary, the call of n relative
even, produces quite a domestic revolu.
tion for plate, china, in fact everything
presentable, is laid up in lavender, like
the rooms. wish you would say some
thing to Clara on the subject, as | know
you possess great influence in that quar-
ter"
Have you named the matter, Fred
e.ick ?" | asked.
Oh, yes thousand times, think /;
but cannot effect any change. | trust
you will be more successful"
81 will try, at any rate, said |, as l took
leave Of my nephew-in-law.
Having thought the matter over, | 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 uttcrance to any remonstrance, for
well know that young housewives do
not generally relish the pointed interfer-
ence of their elders. / therefore called
for Clara-having previously given her
due notice of my intention-to accompany
me in long ramble and contrived to
be near Mrs. Ashburton's just as tea-time
was approaching and We were thorougly
tired.
"Clara," said |, "what is to prevent
our obtaining rest and refreshment? |
can insure you welcome to both, besides
you are not quite stranger to Mrs. Ash
burton"
COB, dear aunt, could not think of
such a thing we should be sure to cause
such Inconvenience.
You shall judge for yourself, Clara"
| answered "and if you think SO half an
hour hence, We will journey homeward. y
The we were admitted. frankly
told my friend that had come expressly
to claim her oft-tennered hospitality for
my niece and myself, as We were tired but
still had long walk before US.
How glad | am that my house lay in
your route :" replied she. Tea is just
coming in, aud 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 glanees at the perfect
order which surrounded us. and the elegant
but simple preparations for the rcpast.
Besides these, it was impossible not to feel
the thorough comfort ditfuscd around us.
My niece said [ to Mrs. Ashburton,
I" was afraid of causing you Inconvenience
by coming unawares, and taking two
places at your tca-tabe by Storm
\ cheerful laugh from Mr. Ashburton,
and bright smile from his wife followed
my words. :. Mrs. Whitford," said the
gentleman, " am the most fortunate fell
low in the world, for nothing ever causes
my wife Inconvenience. You understand
me dare say mean none of these do
lnestc invasions which are usually ex-
pectcd to cause hustle She has pecu-
liar theory Of her own, which she most
thoroughly reduces to practice, consequent
tly we are always able to welcome friend
however unexpected the guest may be. =
Clara bushed and stanmercd few
words IN reply and perceiving her con-
fusion, changed the conversation,
On our way home, after spending a
del. i.htful evening, my niece was unusually
silent but at length she asked if | could
tell her what theory Mr.. Ashburtou al
ludcd to when he said-Ilere she hcsi-
tated.
[ understand you, Clara" | answered i
&" 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 guest besides ourselves,
aunt"
Did you not? And yet the person
alluded to was there"
Where whom do you mean? You
are jcsting."
Indeed, my dear Clara, am not.
The one whom Mrs. Ashburton considers
worthy of all honor is her husband She
says, and l think justly, that she should
deem her marriage VOW but i'll performed
did she bcstow pains to make her home
attractive in the eye of u stranger, and
grudge doing so for him whom she has
promised to love, honor aud obey-her
husband, and the father of her children >
Clara did not speak in reply; but when
we parted the moistencd cheek that touch
ed mine convinced me the lesson was taken
home and | have little doubt that when
next visit my niece, shall fud her opln'
ion is changed as regards the guest most
deserving of honor.