Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1864-12-22
g3NlatellNneoll4.
OUR ECONOMICAL SOIREE.

| Economy in household expenses has come
! to be the leading idea Of terrestrial existence
in the minds of Mrs. Dobb and myself
We calculate closely We never did be-
! fore since we were married that | can re-
member But when butter costs at the rate
of five cents dab, and everything else in
proportion, housekeeping expenses become
| serious matter.
was musing upon the announcement
! that there was a rise Of three cents on the
pound on veal, since the day bctorc-mus-
| ing and eating veal, at the breakfast table
when Mrs. Dobb spoke;
James, did you know to-day was Sallie's
birthday p
"Is it ?" said |. GLOW old is she now ~
"Shc is six years old and have promised
to hold little party for her this evening"
Susan, will it cost anything?'
"Why, but triflc James. Besides, Sal
lie has never had Il birthday party, you
know"
"Sallic should not have her birthday
come so often, wife, in such times as these
How long is it since | bought her a self
operating locomotive for a birthday pres
ent ?"
"That was Susie, my dear. perfectly
ulSlIcSSlliS W IlIC ILlC way Wv ilA tilOHC
children up"
"But what will this soiree cost us, Su-
san? You are forever preaching economy
to me, and I'd like you to practice it a little,
and let me preach. It's more fun to preach.
| like to preach first-rate.'
"Oh there will have to be some nuts
and apples bought
And some candy Of course ~
mo"
"What A baby party, and no candy?'
"If you won't interrupt me at every
word, James, III tell you | have bought
two quarts of molasscs, and am going to
make the candy myself Now there's one
of my economical shifts. | never get any
credit for it."
"But what dauby job, Susan. Stretch
ing candy sticks. body's fingers up So"
You didn't mind it when you were
young man, Mr.. Dobb. Have you forgot
ten the candy parties we used to have at
our house when | was a girl, James Such
glorious times as we used to have in that
old kitchen? Why, it was at one of those
candy parties that you paid me the first
compliment | ever received from You"
"Ah what was that"
"You said was the sweetest girl in the
ROOM
"That was because you were daubcd all
over with molasses, my dear-as You'll be
tonight again"
q should think, James, that it would be
a pleasure to revive here in the city, the
recollection of those old days at the farm
house. Do you remember those big hooks
in the ceiling of the kitchen that you threw
great twist of candy over to stretch it
easier, when Mary Howard helped you ?"
All, those were happy days " I said,
musingly, slipping my coffee.
"You enjoyed candy-making then, James"
"Yes," said |, coming back to the pres
ent and economy. enjoyed a great many
foolish things when ! was young and inno-
confronting, for instance"
"Well, I haven't lost my zest for simple
pleasure" said Mrs. D., with enthusiasm |
think it will be splendid tornado the candy.
had a thousand times rather make it than
buy it"
(which accounts for one of your econom-
ical shifts that you never get any credit for.
Eh, my dear?"
Mrs Dobb looked daggers at me.
"Well, Susan let's see what it will cost
What's the molasses the pound ?"
pdlu SlAbN Genus lOl t"O uudItS.
"And apples p
"A peck will supply the party that will
be sixty cents more"
"And say dollar and half for nuts
That will be three dollars and seventy cents
1t will be very economical so far"
al should say it would, Mr.. Dobb"
"Can I, papa? ?" said Sallie, looking up at
me, with her spoon between her lips.
Can you what, darling? Have the par
ty? Why, of course you can, you little
blessing"
"Won't that be bully, sis ?" cried Fred
| from his side of the table.
How that boy does pick up the slang Of
this vicious age, is astonishing It's no
use reproving it. Boys will be boys as
| friend of mine once remarked when he sat
down on a bent pin placed in his chair by
his oldest son in frolicsome moment"
What good papa he is 2" whispered
Sallie to her sister, next plate east
Oh, he's gayl" slanged Fred
gave Salie some more gravy
| ado YOU like kisses, papa? ~ put in Nellie.