The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-08-25
COMFORT FOR SMALL INCOMES
CHAPTER I.

How Places Acquire Bad Names-The Subver-
sion of all 0rder-To Lock or not to Lock-Ser-
wants Allowances implements and Cloths for
Servants Use-Kitchen Necessaries Essentially
Requisite
When first went to my new home after our
bridal tour OF only fortnight-for my husband,
q surgeon, having his way to make, deemed 1T
impolitic to remain longer from his patients-l
found everything belonging TO household mat
ters that could give me comfort had been ar
ranged by my mother and my husbands sister,
Anna Wynter My chief cause for thanktulness
was in two servants, who had lived for some
years with the latter when she kept her fathers
house.
With these domestics, mother and daughter,
the lass about eighteen, everything went
smoothly. | could listen complacently to the
narratives of the trials with servants et my lady
visitors, and in my heart deemed that they, and
not the domestics, were in fault argued that
if girls were treated kindly and considerably,
they would be well behaved and grateful, and
that mIstresses alone were to blame for taking
any with Indifferent characters. For these pre-.
sumptuous thoughts have been we'll punished
since. 'The same measure ye mete to others
shall be meted to you again." has been amply
verified in my case. have repented OF all such
uncharitabe constructions.
For four years my happiness was complete.
Ny two children were healthy, loving little crea-
lures; my husbands practice was increasing,
and my servants were all that could be desired
-obliging, clean, Industrious, and methodical.
Susan was nurse and house-maid combined, and
her mother was good and faithful house keeper.
One day, about three months previous to the
birth OF my third child, as was IN the kitchen
arranging for dinner and giving directions for
some particular cleaning, cook SAID, " If you
please, ma'am, Susan is going to be married to
Alfred Jones, the wheelwright as soon as you can
get suited, and they are going to Australia, and
l am to 90 with them"
My dismay at this announcement may be con-
ceved. l had nothing but good wishes to offer
both, for the intended husband was not only In
dustrious, but had recently come into property
worth f300 and in their taking the mother with
them they were fulfilling their duty. There was
place. which I thought could be easily done;
only there might be a little confusion at first,
soon to be got over.
Just week before my confinement the new
servants entered upon their duties. had an
excellent character with them from lady who
lived a few miles distant. They wanted higher
wages than she could give, and that was the
reason for the separation. The house of the
lady was scrupulously clean, so that l was
satisfied on this important point Within few
days after their arrival had misgivings as to
their capabilities and competency tor their
situations; the rooms looked dusty, the CRATES
dull the knives stained, and there was
general air of discomfort exceedingly annoying
TO me. l knew that for a month l could not
Interfere, and thought it best not to commence
fault-fndlng, but to bear with all SHORTCOMINGS
till ] could be about again. My chief care
was for my husband and children.
Allen could rarely dine at our regular time;
did not grumble at this, but devised a remedy
whereby he could at any hour have his princi-
pal meal at moments notice. His dinner OF
meat, potatoes, and gravy was arranged in a
soup-pIate and covered; other vegetables in
second plate also covered, and both we're kept
hot over two saucepans OF nedrty boiling water,
so that not an instant was lost in serving when
it was needed. At the same time that the
family cloth was laid another was placed on a
separate table with dirner-service, knives and
forks and the usual condiments. l do not say
that the dinner had all the fresh flavor which
belongs to one eaten at the right time, but
habit made the loss unperceived. My little
ones dined with me every day, but the house
maid waited, cut up their food, and attended
to their wants, and as they were taught never to
touch the things on the table, nor to ask or cry
for anything, it was peaceful, comfortable
meal; and if my husband was fortunate enough
to join us then, he was never worried, though
come when he would, if not present when the
dinner was served, he found it cut off and sent
to keep warm. He was first cared tor, whether
present or absent.
For his tea boiling water was always ready;
and up to this time had never any trouble
about t;Sbut with the new servants different
erder OF things was introduced. demonstrated
without effect two or three times at the neglect,
and 1t ended in my having the kettle brought
into the sittingroom, and then l could see if the
water was kept boiling. I did not mind this In
the winter, and In the summer hoped change
Time went on until my baby was born, and
was able to sit up. The children had been
brought to me each day, but had observed
that nurse was absent previously fer longer
time than she ought TO have been. l suspected
how matters stood; but the little things were
well in health, and torbodo inquiries, though
it was evident from their rough hair, tumbled
frocks, aud unsmoothed pinGtorGs, that but
small care was expended on them. Sill, silence
was the best policy.
When first came down stairs | saw, with
dismaY, the dirt and disorder which reigned
supreme. l thought the nurse might have seer
10 much OF this, aud said so, but she tarneG
away without reply.
''This is something like,n was Aliens remark
at his dinner that day; and as / locked up, in
quirlnglY, he went on:-'I have been treated t
some frizzled dinners during your absence
go right now." Nurse heard this, ana coming
over to me, said:-
Another week and you will be stronger
ma'am; don't say anything yet"
Three days after both servants came to me
just as was down stairs.
'f you please, ma'am our month is up to
day, and as your place don't suit us, we wish t
leave.n
''But surely you should have given me motto
of this before" said.
eve were only on months trial, and W
never gives notice, then" was the reply.
You cannot leave tor a week." said. @
have no servants, and must seek some."
"Well ma'am, we don't mind staying two o
three days to- oblige you, but We must go ava
on Saturday"
This was Wednesday and the follow wing Mon
day, at village three miles off, an annual revC
was held, which thought explained their hast
to depart. In the afternoon, though not stron
enough to do 80, went into the kitchen to tax
a survey The sight that met my view was b
by no means encouraginR-diIty corners, staine
tables lustreless coppers and tins, and a clos
unhealthy, drain-llke smell pervaded the plsc
H. lus