Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1863-01-29

OtAN
ton? have not seen them: The cap
tain does not trust the ship wholly to
the man at the helm. He takes obser-
yations. examines chart, and sees and
knows for himself that every thing is
done at the right time and in the right
place. His thought and his will are ac-
tive and predominant in every part OF
the ship, for on him rests all the respon-
sibiity And it is SO everywhere in
mans work. You ask if | expect to 60
into the kitchen and cook?
I answer yes, in case there is no one
else to prepare yonr husbands food. Ii
you hsve an incompetent cook, or one
not to be trusted, then it is your duty
to make up her deficiencies by personal
attendance in the kitchen, just as often
and just as long as the ease may require
You contracted to do this when you be-
came wife
Il don't remember that the subject was
even referred to, said Martha, who did
not yet see clearly, and who felt that
her mothers view of the ease actully de
graded the wife into household drudge
Was it stipulated, answered Mr..
Barton, that Edward should engage in
business; giving himself up to daily
care and work, in order to secure for
his wife the comforts of home? don't
remember that the subject was even re-
ferred to-And yet it was at much i'm
piled in the act of assuming the relation
that you now hold. Do you suppose for
moment that he isut active in every
part of his buiness? That he trusts an in-
competent clerk, as you trust an incom-
pctent cook?-Thought, purpose hands,
are all busy in his work, and busy
throughout every day; busy for you as
for himself. He cant find time for read
ing four or five hours every day nor
time for calls on pleasant friond, no, no.
His work would suffer. losses mi ight
follow; and com fort and luxury fail for
the wife he tolls for But his wife is to
proud to 20 down into her kitchen and
see that his food is mado palatable and
healthy; to be present in all parts ofhis
household, with taste, order neatness,
economy anh cleanliness. / don't won
der that he is disappointed and dissatis-
fed.
Martha's perceptions were beginning
to be little enlightened. She did not
make any reply, "Let me tell you how
l have found it iu your badly managed
household, then resumed the mother
"Perhaps. seeing through my eyes
may help you to a better appreciation OF
things as they really are. Twice since
have been here, there has been no watel
in my room, and have had to come
down in the morning and get it for my
self
ooh mother! is too bad to think Mar
garet should have been SO! The daugh-
ters face crin soned.
"Now if you had been a careful
housekceper, or thoughtful one. you
would have visited my chamber to see
that all was right. there. You would
never have left your mothers comfort
dependent on the uncertain adminstra-
ton of servant. Next, the room
hasn't been busted twice since | have
been here. My fingers are solid with
everything l touch, and | am sure it
hasn't been swept once since lhave been
here. But this only effect your guests
is only so much taken from their com
A., fort. Let US look to some involving the
comfort of your husband, for these are
of the highest consideration. You ask
ed him yesterday morning, to get some
pink-lined envelope. He brought them at
dinner time. He asked you todarn a!rent
in black Alpaca coat. so that he could
wear it. Did you do as he requested?
No you read and toyed with fine needle
work all the morning, but never touch
ed the coat, and when he asked for it
what reply did you make? Oh: you
hated darning above all things, and told
him he better direct his tailor to send
for it, The day had become unusually
warm and he had to 60 out after dinner,
wcring thick cloth coat, because you
had almost wilfully neglected to perform
so light service for your husband. Do
you imagine that he never thought of
your failure to do for him what he asked
That he didn't feel your Indifference to
his com forts? Your kiss. depend upon
it, Martha, touched his lips coldly, and
your loving words, il any we're spoken,
were as sounding brass and tinkling
cymbals in his ear He looked past all
lip affirmatio1s, and saw the failure in
deed.
"And failure indeed seems to be the
rule under your administration of his
household, instead of the exception.
Most especially is this the case in what
appertains to the dining room and
kitchen. The meals are always badly
cooked, and badly served. The slove-
illness with which Margaret sets the ia
bic is disgrace to herself and stand
ing rcbuke to her mistress. | havn t
seen really clean dish-as | have re-
regard to cleanliness, since l have been
here. Not clean knife or fork. Your
cruit stand is offensive to the eye. There
is q smearcd mustard bottle with half
an inch of tomato catsup at the bottom,
and an oil bottle empty Pepper and
vinegar bottles l will not desribe. The
cruet stand itself is as dark as lead: and
II