The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1870-05-10

shirt now. keep it TO show to those wise
mothers who are training their daughters
for future usclcssness.
But it was in cooking that I found my
chief trouble. All my attempts in that
line, at the time ! commenced housclleep-
ing, had resulted in spelling several kinds
Of rich cake concoctcd in accordance with
those recipes which fill our modern cookery
books. | had never made loaf of bread
i'll my life. Bakers bread served us for q
time-for so long timc indeed, that we
found out all its good qualities, and have
not tested its eXcellencies for many years.
We had been married and settled nearly
fortnight, when, one morning my hus-
band came in with letter in his hand, and
very anxious expression on his face l
sprang mp from my seat nearly upsetting
the breakfast table, which was waiting for
him.
"What is the matter, Frank? Is any
body sick-or dead? Have you got bad
news?'
"No. At least, it ought not to be bad
news"
"Well, what is it ? Something serious
know by your looks"
"No, Hattie nothing of the kind. On
ly feared it might annoy you. 1t is only
a note from one of my college chums, Fred
Knowles, saying that he is going to Boston,
and will call on us, and-get his dinner to-
day." said my husband, finishing the SEN
tence reluctantly.
1t was my first call to entertain company.
and, knowing, by this time, my ignorance
! shranl< back af1righted from the prospect
| confess too, Il feeling of deep modification
that my husband could not receive his most
intimate friends without so serious draw
back upon his pleasure. All my natural
energy and pride was aroused, and | de-
tcrnincd to become good practical house
keeper at whatever cost of time or labor
Dut the present emergency was first to be
attended to.
"T suppose had better get some fresh
loaves from the bakery?" Frank looked at
the dry, light slices on the breakfast table
as he spoke.
eyes, | think so. And some meat, Hat
tie. The forlOIn old roast has lasted a fort
night, ! am sure. think ! should recog-
nize its bones if ! saw them in Africa Do
you think You could broil steak, Hattie ?'
" Yes. But Frank you must come out
of the parlor and overlook me. And if you
will get some peas, and lettuce, and other
vegetables, | shall get up famous dim
ner.''
A halfsmile fitted across his face. He
had heard of my famous dinners before. -
"Wcll we must do our best. The cars
will not arrive till two o'clock, SO there will
be plenty of time both for marketing and
coolling.'h
els Mr. Knowles very particular ?" ask
ed timidly. Will he notice if things 90
just a little wrong?"
Perhaps not But he will have a natu-
raj curiosity in regard to the capabilities of
his friends wife. But think we shall do
very we'll"
81 am sure we SHALL" was my encoura-
ging response, inspired by bright idea
that suddenly occurred to me. In accord
ance with it, my husband had no sooner
started for the market, than I, slipping on
my hat and shawl, started on long walk
through the fields and woods. was going
to consult my mother about the dinner.
surprised her by bursting into the dining
room, quite out Of breath from my hurried
walk, just as the family were sitting down
to late breakfast.
"Is it Hattie OF her ghostp" asked my
father, getting up to welcome me. "If
my memory serves me our Hattie used to
be late riser"
Housekeeping improves me, papa"
"Don't wait to talk" said mamma.
"The coffee will be spoiled. Take off your