The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1876-12-21
THE nOTHER.1N-LAw's VISIT.


as mothers-in-law. A mothers devo-
ton to her children and interest in their
welfare has always been the theme of
praise in song and story; but let one of
her children marry, and she is at once
transformed into most meddlesome,
detested creature, whose noble virtues
have sunk into vices of the most unen-
durable character. As far as she can
perceive, she is the same woman that
she was before, with the same warm
affections, quick sympathies and untir-
ing devotion and self-sacrifce; but all
the rest of the world sees her in quite
different light.
presume Horace Bartlett did not
praise his mother and her ways of do
ing things oftener than any dutiful son
OF . good mother, but his little wife
Matte had come to look with some fear
and trembling on the proposed visit of
said mother-in-law to her little
snuggery of home. Mother was
getting on in years; the journey
was q long one, and very likely this
would be her last, as well as her first
visit to her sons house. Horace was in
a flutter OF happiness at the prospect of
seeing her once more, and very anxious
to have every thing on hand that could
possibly add to her comfort. Seeing
him in such state of anticipation,
Matte carefully smothered her own ap-
prehensions, and dropped tears in Sc
cret over Horace's hints and suggestions
about the children, and how mother
would like this or that in reference to
them. That poor unconscious mother
in-law was fast becoming the bugbear
of her life. She wished the dreaded
visit over, and felt that she could never
breathe free again until she was on her
hOmeward way once more. Do not
censure her inhospitality, unless you are
quite free to cast stone at her. Has
not some expected visit of some keen
eyed relative of "his !" set your own
heart fiuttering with apprehension
Have you not, metaphorically, wished
her Sin Guinea" dozen times before
she came under your roof?
1t seemed as il the nearer the third
came the more ssmixed up" every thing
became. Matte could not make head
way with her work with those three lit
tie children always about her feet. The
baby took the time to cut few more
teeth, as is the manner of babies when
mamma is in hurry and worry, and
Matte grew so nervous that Horace
was drawn into the same net. So far
he had experienced about the usual vi
cissitudes OF young fathers and house.
holders, who have small means out of
which to provide for a family. But
somehow the tangle affairs had taken
sometimes caused o sharp word or two,
on both sides, to be followed by bitter
repentings in cooler moments.
ssMore system" was Horace's unfail-
ing remedy for housekeeping ills, and
any woman will appreciate the aggra-
waiting nature Of such advice under such
circumstances.
After all, the reception passed off
favorably-a great point in entertain
ing guest; first Impressions are so
lasting. The good, motherly grandma
took the little ones on her knee so fond
", and cuddled them in her ample bos-
ON so lovingly, that the mothers heart
warmed toward her instantly. Horace
was gratified, and Matte more than
pleased that things had turned out so
differently from her fears. Is it not
usually so with our anticipationsp The
evils that cause us most suffering are
those which never happen.
But morning brought its usual per-
plexities, and Mattie's heart sank at the
prospect of going on with her davis
work, after Horace had gone to his
business, with those experienced eyes
ever Watching her-sure to see her
shortcomings, Matte thought, and
ready, perhaps, with cool advice about
"system," which would be sure to trv
her 90 keenly!
Mother was late after her journey,
and Horace had little time for q chat,
as his business required punctuality.
Matte must attend to her baking. and
that noisy Charley had, of course, to up
set chair just at the head of the cradle,
and then such cry as came from a
sturdy pair of little lungs!
Maybe Matte would have given the
mischief-maker good shake il grand
ma had not been by; she certainly felt
ready to, as she rubbed the dough from
her hands and prepared to take up the
little one.
ST guess he will come to me,
daughter" said the old lady kindly.
Wen see; am kind of lame, Matte,
or lwould spry about and help you do
up the work. But If I can keep the baby
happy, may be it'll help a li.tle.n
It did help q great deal. Mother had