Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1864-12-07

ing room; and truly wonderful change had
been effected there. A bright fire illumed
every corner, an elegant tea equipage was
Oh the table, in short, everything looked
as | had at first hoped to find tin accord
ance with the position OF its owners, More
over the pleasant aspect of affairs baniShed
the clouds from Mr. Whitford' 5 face, and 50
agreeably did the time pass, that L quite
regretted when obliged to bid my niece
good night.
Good night dear aunt, said Clara, kis
sing me affectionately, do come again, but
do let me know when to expect you.
''And them added Mr.. Whitford after
the door was closed, everything will be rea-
dy: the dining fire will be lighted before
your arrival Dear aunt what do you think
of Clara new notions of domestic economy?
When we were first married she was rather
ignorant of household matters-now we are
so exceedingly orderly and careful that eve
rything is too good to use. The drawing
room first became 50; then the dlnlng-roo
underwent thorough renovation, and the
nursery resorted to for temporary cOnve-
nience during the repairs, has become our
regular abode, the others only being used on
state occasions, and probably our next re-
move will b. into the kitchen. | go into
other houses and find that their II aSters can
introduce friend at any time with the GER
tainty of causing no embarrassment. In my
home, ON the contrary, the call OF reli tive
even, produces quite a revolution for plate,
china in fact everything presenta BILE. Is laid
up in lavender like the rooms. wish YOU
would say something TO Clara on the subject,
as L know you possess great influence In
that quarter.
Have you named the matter, Frede-
rick 2, | asked.
''Oh, yes. a thousand times, | think but
| cannot effect any change. L trust you
will be more successful.
Il will try, at any rate, said /, as | took
leave OF my nephew-in-law.
Having thought over the matter, / ar
ranged my plan Of operation | decided 1t
would be better TO try the effect OF an oppo-
siron picture on Clara 5 mind, before giving
uttcrance to any ron ance, for | well knew
that young housewives do not generally re-
li>h the pointed interruption OF their elders.
l therefore called on Cl;iTa-haying previ-
ouSiy given her due notice OF my intention
to accompany me in long ramble; and L
contrived TO be near Mrs. Ashburton just
as teatime was approaching, and We were
thoroughly tired
CLARA, p" said 7, what is to prevent our
obtaining rest and refreshments? | can in
sure you both, and besides, you are not
quite q stranger to Mrs A,hburton.
Oh dcar, aunt. l could not think OF such
a thing; We should be sure TO cause incon-
yenience."
''You shall Judge for yourself, Clara l
answered and If you think 50 half an
hour hence, we viii journey homeward >
The moment we were admitted, | frankly
tol4 my friend that | had come expressly TO
claim her oft-tendered hospitality for my
niece and self, a. We were tired but still had
a long walk before us
How glad am my house lay in your
route replied she. lea is just coming
n, and my husband will be here directly.
La u few moments he arrived, and we
were all seated, p. epared TO join in the eve
nlng meal.
noticed Clara 5 glance at the perfect or,
der which surrounded us, and the elegant
bat simple preparation for the repast. Be
sides these it was impossible not 10 see the
thorough comfort diffused around Us.
MY neice said | to MS 4 hburton,
was afraid of causing you Inconvenience
by coming unawareS, and taking two places
at your tea-table 10y storm.
4 CHEEKY laugh from Mr.. Ashburton, and
q bright smile from his wife followed my
words, Mrs Whtford, said the gentle
man, | am the most fortunate fellow Ia the
world, o: nothing ever causes my wife IN
CDtN CilitiCC, Ap'l uHutlSitiitl IliC, udi
mean none OF those domestic invasions
which are usually expected to cause hustle
She has L peculiar theory of her own, which
she most thoroughly reduces TO practice,
consequently we are always able II welcome
a friend, however unexpected he may be.
Clara biushed, and stamered few words
in reply; and perceivlng her confusion,
changed the conversation.
On cur way home, after spending de-
lightful evening, my niece was unusually 81
lent but al length she asked if could tell
her what theory Mr. Ashburton alluded to
when he said. Here she hesitated.
L understand you, Clara, | answered,
and | can explain it in very few words
Mrs A>hburton 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 | al
lude to was there.
Where ?-whom do you mean? You
are jesting. m
(. Indeed. my dear Clara, am not The
one whom Mrs. Ashburton considers wor-
thy of an honor is her husband. She says,
and Ithink justly, that she should deem
her marriage vow but lily kept if she made
all attractive In the eye Of stranger, and
grudge doing. so for him whom she has
promised to love, honor and obey-her own
husband. and father of her children.
Clara did not speak in reply; but when
we parted, tn moistened cheek that touch
ed mine convinced me the lesson was taken
home and have no doubt when | next
visit my niece, shall find her opinion Is