The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1879-09-06
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OUT AND AT HOME.

with their ncighbors, the Jones in n
friendly manner Mrs Harris came over
early, bringing her crochet work, and the
ladies' had pleasant chat before the gen
tlemen came into supper. They were
both from their business Offices, but were
Just ns fresh and lively as if there were no
such things as business cares, those wor-
rying ones which so often durken a mans
brow when he enters his "ain' 6reside
"Your husband is always so jolly and
goodnatured 1t must be quite pleas
urc to live with him, said Mrs. Jones to
Mrs. Harris, as they went to the table
"Y.e-s,' answered Mrs. Harris, with a
slight hesitation, for she remembered GER
tain things that happened at home now
and then.
"Tm afraid this tea is not strong
enough" remarked Mrs. Jones, as she
passed MIR. Harris his cup. ado you
lind it agreeable, Mr.. Harris ?"
"0h, delightful, delightful, madam, ~
returned Mr. Harris, with bland smile.
"Strong tea is hurtful to the nerves, and
keeps one awake at night think"
",This won't at all events" thought
Mrs. Harris, as she slipped the tasteless
fluid in her cup.
"IIavo bit more Of the steak, Har-
ris ?" said Mr. Jones. "Mollie, it seems
to me this is little scorched.
ayes, it is" admitted Mrs. Jones. 81
did not have very good luck with it this
time. am very sorry, too.
"Oh, it is very nice, very nice, indeed :
returned the cordial Mr.. Harris, 81 think
| will take another bit, Jones, If there
is anything like it is steak just bi
scorched. Thank you, no more of thu
gravy. These arc fine biscuits, Mrs, Jones
I believe must send my wife over [,
take lessons of you in cooking"
Mrs. Harris looked up in surprise; anC
blushed little, but did not say anything
She knew she was better cook thar
Mrs. JONES; aud at home Mr.. Harris wal
not accustomed to be SO polite
MH. Jones was greatly fattered.-
"You re very good, I'm sure, she simpered
81 can generally cook, but it seems to me
| always have the very worst of luck when
| have company"
Mr.. Harris thought Mrs Jones had
met with some bad luck this time. The
cake was heavy and the preserves had
soured, but Mr. Harris praised every
thing and declared that he enjoyed hi
supper immensely.
"lf he would only be as pleasant as that
at home !" sighed little Mrs Harris, as
they walked through the street after they
had taken leave Of their friends. But
she knew it would be useless to say word
Coaxing would be lost in this case, and
scolding never accomplished anything
However, her womans wit set to work tC
find some way to teach that husband Of
hers lesson, and after while the way
was found.
The next evening supper was ready
when Mr.. Harris came home, and it wa:
very near counterpart Of the supper al
Jones the night before. Weak tea, scorch
ed beefsteak, biscuits only moderate, heavy
cake and sour preserves. But Mr.. Harri:
was all calm and serencly unconscious
"Come, Mamie, George, supper is ready
and papa has come, she said, calling the
two children, who came bounding in from
their play.
"Hope you got something good. I'm
awful hungry" Master George exclaimed
while gentle little Maud answered him -
"lse ashamed of you, George Nam
mas suppers are always good" Mamma
said nothing, only poured papa a cup Of
tea.
"Humph is this tea or dish-watcr p
was his remark as he tasted IT,
"You told Mrs. Jones strong tea hurt
you, said Mrs, Harris quietly
"Um-well-yes, l did, said Mr.. Har
ris, somewhat taken aback, "but | didn't
mean such weak stuff as this The steak
is burned, too. 1t isn't ft to eat--sucl
trash.
"You told Mrs. Jones you were fond o
scorched meat, said his wife as quietly a,
before
Harris colored.
"Well, but-I-not as black as thi,
though. Haven't you got any ligh breadi
These biscuits are not as good as usual. p
Mrs. Harris brought slice of bread
ana iaiu II oeslde ms plate lie took II
wi.nout i,9, saying word' =,
"Why, ma, what ais your cake asked
ueorse, taxing a huge S,lee,
=. y as neavy as iead' inats what
inc matter WIN u snapped hr. Harris