Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-12-20
Ia, MAINE, THURSDAY MORNING. DECEMBER 20, 1888
DaiIp Kennfhtr 3ournal.
A Study of Husbands.

We hear much about the art of winning
a husband. Let us take q step further and
make a study of keeping husband. Ii
he is worth winning he is worth keeping.
This is q wicked world, and man is dread
fully mortal. Let us take him just as he
is, not as he ought to be. In the first
place he is very weak. The wife must
spend the first two years in discovering
these weaknesses, count them on her fin
gers, and learn them by heart. The fin
gers of both hands will not be too many.
Then let her study up these weaknesses
with mesh for every one, and the secret
is hers. Is he fond of good dinner ?
Let her tighten the mesh around him with
fragrant coffee. light bread, and good
things generally, and reach his heart
through his stomach. Is he fond of fiat
terry about his looks2 Let her study the
dictionary for sweet words if her supply
gives out. Does he like to hear her talk
about his brilliant intellect? Let her pore
over the encyclopaedia to give variety to
the depth of her admiration. Flattery is a
good thing to study up at all hazards, in
all its delicate shades. but it must be skill
fully done. The harpy who may try to
coax him away will not do it absurdly.
Is he fond Of beautyp Here's the rub
Jet her be bright and tidy; that is
half of the victory. Next, let her
bang her hair metaphorically and
keep up with the times. A husband who
sees his wife look like other people is not
going to consider her "broken down."
Though it is a common sneer that woman
has admitted that her sex consider more,
in marrying, the tastes of her friends than
her own, vet it must be considered ludi-
crous that man looks at his wife with the
same eyes that other people do. Is he
fond Of literary matters ? Listen to him
with wide open eyes when he talks of
them. A man doesn't so much care for a
literary wife if only she will be literary
enough to appreciate him. If she have
literary inclinations. keep them to herself.
Men love to be big and great to their
wives. That's the reason why helpless
little woman can marry three times to a
sensible, self-reliant woman's none. Cul-
tivate helplessness. Is he curiousp Oh,
then you have a treasure; you can always
keep him il you have a secret and keep 1t
carefully. Is he jealous Then. woman,
this is not for you; cease torturing that
fretted heart which wants you for its own,
and teach him confidence. Is he ugly in
temper and fault-findingP Give him q dose
of his own medicine. skillfully done. Is he
deceitful Pity him for his weakness treat
him as one who is born with a physical de-
feet, but put your wits to work-it is bad
case. 1t is we'll not to be too tame, Men
do not waste their powder and shot on hens
and barnyard fowl they like the pleasure
of pursuing wild game-quail and grouse
and deer. A quail is model for wife
neat and trim. with a pretty, swift way
about, and just little capricious. Never
let youself become an old story; be Just
little uncertain. Another fact is, don't
be too good; it hurts his feelings and be-
comes monotonous. Cultivate pleasant
voice, so that this very marital man may
have his conscience prick him when he is
in jeopardy; its pleasant ring will haunt
him much more than would shrill one.
1t is hard to do all this, besides taking
care of the babies and looking after vexa-
tious household cares and smiling when
he comes home, but it seems necessary.
Ito be born woman is to be born mar
tyr" says a husband who for ten years
has watched in amazement his wife tread
ing the winepress of her existence. II is
pitiful sight to some men. But if the
wife does not make study of these things
the harpy will. to steal away the honor
from his silver hairs when he is full OF
years and the father of sons and daugh-
ters. At the same time, guide wife. keep
from trying any of these things on any
mortal man but your own. These rules
are only evolved to "keep husband"
The poor weak creature would rather be
good than bad, and it is woman's duty