The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1883-08-09
IN. Y. Independent
The Health Of Our Wives.
BY DIo LEWIS, NJ. d.

For three years Mrs. -- has
been sad, nervous invalid, when by
the death Of an uncle she came into
possession Of bonds which yielded an
annual income of $1,000. At once
her health began to improve, she
walked erect, and her face became
radiant. Since her marriage she had
become beggar; and beggars are not
strong in health, noble in bearing, or
happy in face. Her husband was
rich, and good man; but careful
about his money. He never parted
with a dollar If he could possibly
keep it. Their house was handsome
and their table good; but while Dora,
the servant, who dressed quite as well
as her mistress, was not obliged to
beg for money, Mrs. could not
get dollar for personal expenses
without explaining, urging-in brief,
begging.
Visiting her mother in another
state she related, with many tears,
the following story: II needed a
warm dress in the Autumn; but so
great was my repugnance to asking
John for the means that | put it off
till midwinter. One evening we had
company, and John was delighted
with the praise of my singing. After
we had retired, and he had spoken
very warmly of my success in enter
tanning our friends, l thought the
moment auspicious, and in the most
gentle way mentioned the needed
dress. John was silent for some min
utes, and then said:
"Why, my darling, | thought you
were the best dressed woman among
them. Don't you think, dearest, it's
foolish thing to 60 on adding dress
after dress, when your closet is so full
that you can hardly get into it? If
you will take my advice, should say
wear out some Of the dresses you al
ready have.
''Not another word was spoken by
either Of US. [ do not choose to tell
him that the dress [ had worn that
evening was my only handsome silk,
and that my only warm wooden dress
was worn out. l could not sleep, and
before morning resolved, come what
might, would never beg again.
That VOW I have kept. During two
years | have had no additions to my
wardrobe, except the woolen dress
you sent me. Not one word has
passed between my husband and self
on the subject. Oh! how often ]
think of the sweet independence of
my life as a music teacher. When |
gave myself to John it was easy to
make me happy. | asked but little,
and you know, mother, never shrink
from care and labor. But now that
dear Uncle Eben's bonds give me the
means to clothe myself, and assist my
nieces as used to, l shall forgive,
forget, and be happy again. John is
urging me to transfer the bonds to
him, and let him take care of them
for me. u
MY daughter, will you do it?'
"Why, mother, | have kissed those
dear, dirty, beautiful, old yellow
bonds again and again, because they
have made it possible for me to be-
come a happy and loving wife. |
tremble when I think how near |
came to hating my husband. I shall
keep the bonds in my own hands.
They are really and truly the only
bonds that bind me to life"
I wonder if Mrs. - is the only
wife whose health and life have been
poisoned by this mistake on the part
of the husband The husband and
father declares that all his toll and
savings are for his family. For him
self, he does not care. His wife, who
transmutes dollars into precious child
muscle, brain and heart, instead of
being obliged to resist her husbands
opportunities to take more, and use
more for her ceaseless and vital tasks,
is often compelled to go on her knees.
very beggar, for the money she
needs. She waits for a moment when
her husband is full of good dinner,
and then explains. argues, implores.
If the husband and father were as
wise as those who raise cows, horses
or pigs, he would surround his wife
with every possible advantage within
his means, and most of all he would
secure to her that spirit of independ-
ence which alone can produce strong
children and train them in noble