The Indianapolis leader. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1879-1890, 1880-08-07
Some Words for Wives.

Harriet Beecher Stowe in the Christian Union. ]
The first inquiry of woman after mar
riage should be, "How shall L continue the
love have inspired2 How shall preserve
the heart l have won?"
l. Endeavor to make your husbands hab-
itations alluring and delightful to him. Let
it be to him sanctuary to which his heart
may always turn from the calamities of life.
Makeit repose from his cares, a shelter
from the world, home, not for his
person only, but for his heart. He may meet
with pleasure in other houses, but let him
find pleasure in his own. Should he be de-
jected, soothe him; should he be silent and
thoughtful, do not needlessly disturb him.
should he be studious, favor him with all
practical facilities; or should he be peevish,
make allowances for human nature, and by
your sweetness, gentleness, and good humor
urge him continually to think, though he
may not say it, "this women is, indeed a
comfort to me; can not but love her, and
requite such gentleness and affection as they
deserve" @
2. Invaribly adorn yourself with delicacy
and modesty. These to man of refinement,
are attractions the most highly captivating,
while their opposite never fail to inspire
disgust. Let the delcaCy and modesty of the
bride be always in great degree, supported
by the wife.
g. If it be possible, let your husband sup
pose you think him a good husband, and it
will be strong stimulus to his being so. AS
| long as he thinks he possesses the reputatiJ
! he will take some pains to deserve it; but
when he has once lost his name, he will be
apt to abandon the reality. a.f
4. Cultivate and exhibit with greatest care
| and constancy, cheerfulness and humor
| They will give beauty to the finest face, and
| impart charms where charms are not. On
the contrary, gloomy, dissatisfied manner,
is an antidote to affiiction, and though a man
may not seem to notice it, it is chilling and
repulsive to his feelings, and he will be very
apt to seek elsewhere for those smiles and
that cheerfulness which he finds not in his
own house.
5. In the articles of dress study your hus-
bands taste. The opinion of others on this
subject is of very little consequence ifhe ap-
proves.
6. Particularly shun what the world, IT
ridlcule, calls "curtain lectures" When you
shut your door at night, endeavor to shut
out at the same moment all discord and con.
tention, and look on your chamber as re
treat from the vexations of the world, 8
shelter sacred to peace and affection. How
/ lilQcCOiOts, OHcIsiNt, anu cillul IL 10 lOT
woman to exercise authority over her hus
band, and say, 81 will have it so. 1t shall
be as | like'' But truse that the number O.
those who adopt this unbecoming and dis
graceful manner is So small as to render il
unnecessary for me to enlarge on the subject
.. Be careful never to join in jes
or laugh against your husband Conceal hi
faults and speak only of bis merits Shur
every approach OF extravaganza The wan
of economy has involved millions in misery
Be neat, tidy, orderly, methodical. Rist
early, breakfast early. Have place fo
everything and everything in its place.
8. Few things please a man more thar
seeing his wife notable and clever in tn,
management of her household. A knowl
edge of cookery, as well as every othe
branch in housekeeping, is indispensable in
female; and wife should always endeavo
to support with applause the character of tn
lady and the housewife.
9. Let home be your empire-your world
Let it be the scene of your wishes, you
thoughts, your plans, your exertions. LIE
it be the stage on which, in the varied char
acter of wife, of mother. and mistress, vol
strive to shine. In its sober, quiet scenes lie
your heart cast its anchor, let your feeling
and pursuits all be centered. Leave you
husband TIE task of distinguishing himsel
by his valor or his talents. Do you seek fo
fame at home, and let your applause be tina
Of your servants. your children, YOUR hui;
band, your God.