Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1872-05-18
HOW 1T WAS DONE.

Mrs. Chester and those saltwater globules
indicative of woe; aud cousin Jemima in
the doorway stood as if trausfxed as she
inquired, "What is the trouble ?"
Mrs. G. dashed away the tears, aud re.
piled: L suppose it's nothing worth cry
ing about; but it does trouble me so to
have Robert 6ud fault and hem -hussy'
about the house that I am often at my
wits end how to live without harsh words,
aud those l have always vowed should not
be between US. l could bear it.better
were it myself alone who suffered, but the
poor dear girls-he seems delighted to
thwart them in their favorite plans, aud
with almost constant fretting about trifes
makes them SO unhappy; aud again the
bright eyes were filled with tears.
IL have noticed Roberts peculiaritics," !"
replied cousin Jemima; and as you have
broached the subject, will confess that
have studied the case carefully, and believe
l can propose remedy"
",Oh do tell me it !" cried Mrs. Chester,
"and if your remedy proves a success, I
shall be one Of the happiest women"
While they are discussing the proposed
reformation with many mods and smiles,
we will take u further survey Of the do.
mestic economy.
The reason of Mr.. Robert Chester's pc
cuiarity of temper was the amount of pet
ting bestowed on her darling son by Mrs.
Chester the elder, causing him to cherish
the idea at an early age that himself and
his will should be the governing principle
Of any persons or circumstances about
him.
1t naturally followed that as he came to
mans estate these governing powers were
exercised to their full extent. and as Mrs.
Chester No. ! was of the meek stamp,
whose will, providing she had any, was
completely merged 10 the strong ore Of her
husband, domestic ties only increased the
difficulty aud rendered Mr. Chester more
ovcrbearing and selfish.
Three daughters had blessed their union,
when Mrs. Chester, in very subdued
manner, took leave Of live, without even
consulting her liege lord concerning the
propriety of the measure, being, by-thc-
way, the first independent step she had
ever been known to take since her mar
riage; and Mr.. Chester, much shocked by
the conduct of his wife. as soon as propri-
city would admit woed and won another to
take her placc--a lady as unlike his FIRST
choice as one could we'll be.
AS "new brooms sweep clean," Mr..
Chester during the honeymoon allowed
his wife the uso of her faculties undis.
turbed, and great harmony prevailed but
as the novelty of the situation wore away
his former habits were resumed, and, at
the time our story commences, he seemed
to consider her an uuruly being, whose will
must be broken and whose thoughts must
run in no channel but that in which he
sees fit to direct them.
His daughters, who were young ladies,
and fond Of society, ,beaux, and new dresses,
found this domestic rule especially irksome;
and if Cousin Jermima's plan proved sue
cessiul, it would be blessing to them as
we'll as to Mrs. Chester, whom they dearly
loved.
Wife," said Mr.. Chester, in injured
tones, at dinner, here is this roast under
done again! think I have told you often
enough to have it remembered that I pre-
fer my meat cooked, not merely scared
over"
Here, Bridget, remove the meat to
the kitchen Immediately said Mrs. Ches.
ter, briskly. II am surprised that you
should bring a roast to the table in such q
condition." handing the platter to Bridge,
as she spoke.
AS Mr.. Chester watched the tempting
brown crisp disappearing through the door,
his hunger got the better of his dignity,
and he roarod, Bring that back here /! A
pretty way to cheat hungry man out Of
his dinner!'
:" But, my DEAR" mildly urged Mrs.
Chester, "you SEQ the meat is perfectly
raw, and it is unsafe to eat It,"
cts no such thing" replied Mr. c.,
irefa|ly. - tell you the meat is we'll
enough"
"Wcll, well, bring it on, Bridget" said
Mrs. Chester, resignedly. "I see we are
to be inundated on the altar Of nm under.
done roast. If we all die from the effects
Of it, no doubt the neighbors will call i.