Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1879-11-27
THE SOAP WOMAN.

II is doubtful if the Judge would have
felt as much surprised to hear his wife
say she was going to make n voyage to
Europe as to hear her say shc was going
10 make soap. They had not been very
long married then. and the judge was
not yet conversant with the full cata-
logue Of that thoroughly homemade
woman's accomplishments. She had
been one of the five daughters of "A
widow, left while her children were wee
hit girls in very straitened circumstances.
The way the mother reared them up to
true and useful womanhuod was a
marvel OF perseverance, industry and
economy. She managed to have them
well educated for the times, and saw
them all married into the best circles
and occupying positions Of respectable
ity and influence. Judge Manotte's
wife was the youngest Of the widows
daughters, and it was thought she had
made the best match of the five. The
Judges place was the pleasantest in the
thrifty village. which has since assumed
the more ambitious name Of city. He
Dad been gently born and raised, went
early to college, and from thence to his
profession IS n lawyer. Manual toll
was a stranger 10 him, yet he was man
ot industry, in no sense given to proftse-
ness of expenditure. lie approved and
admired his wife's general prudence in
housekeeping and spoke with pride to
his guests of the excellent food with
which his board was spread rs the work
Of her own hands. Mrs Manotte might
have kept servants. ! think the Judge
would have been better satisfied IL sac
would have had girl (all the ladies Of
her position had one or more). but she
declared with decision. pretty early in
their welded life, that she would not
be- bothered with servants az long IA she
had health tasdo her own work. The
exercise was no more than she needed
for sor own benefit.
Mrs. Manotte had n will and way OF
her own, "a this little tale will bear
abundant evidence. The Judge made
this discovery pretty early. lie could
doubtless make a moving plea in n court
room, nut he was aware he could make
no plea to move his wife when she was
fully bent upon n certain course.
But yet when Mrs Manottc. over the
breakfast table of iair April morning.
announced her intention of making n
barrel of soft soap, the judge looked as
II stricken with n sudden palsy. | doubt
II he would have worn n more rucful
lace had his best lawsuit gone against
him.
And hope you will help me all you
can" added the earnest woman, on
thoughts of economy, ashes and grease
intent.
Indeed, can render you no assist
auce whatever" returned the Judge. in
sharper tones than his wife had ever
heard him speak hGfore. Her calm blue
eyes surveyed him with unruiIled COM
posure. but there was not in look or
bearing one symptom of wavering from
her purpose.
Then Imust 20 about the iob,alone,r
she said quietly.
beg you will do nothing of the
kind" continued the Judge, something
very like n frown contracting his brow
anu perfectly willing TO buy all the
soap we need. and what use should we
hive for the vile, sloppy stuGr'
Soft soap was good enough for my
mother. and IL n good enough for her
daughter" said nrs. hanotte, with n
dignity approaching sternness. 81
shall make NO vile, sloppy stuff. but an
article far more efFieacious for cleansing
clothes and for various household pur-
poses. than anything TO be bought Mt
storns. Are yeu aware how much
Mr.. ManottsP-
No" said the judge. land It doesn't
IN ltteT."
Indeed, ] think II does matter" !" said
th1 wife. However much money peo.
pie may have. they are never justified
IN wasting 1t. So hope you will call
AZ the groeer's n you go down this
morning. and see If you can procure
three molasses hosshesds
Three molasses hogsheadsp ex-
claimed the judge In tone Of mingled
terror and dismay. "do you then pro-
pose 70 manufacture the article hv
wholesaleP Ishal next be invited TO
peddle soft soap hy The gallon from door
20 door,
The wife laughed slcefuIIy At her hus-
hnnd's Tueful spprskepsions. and asked: |
Don't you knew thst must set up a |
asnA~