The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-07-16
How John Cleaned House.

cit is all nonsense exclaimed John
Dale, emphatically, "this turning the
house upside down as you women do every
spring and fall
"But, my dear, the house must be
cleaned" said pretty Mrs. Dale, helping
herself to muffin.
"That is what you always say, Dollie;
but never see any Dirt
"Why, John Dale, what can you be
thinking of ? exclaimed his wife, with
emphasis. "The house is in frightful
condition, and every nook and corner of it
must be thoroughly cleansed. shall be-
gin the process tomorrow"
John gave one despairing glance in the
direction of his study, and then said,
bravely
"Well, Dollie, if it is really any salts
faction to you, why, of course, am quite
willing; but don't you think you could
hurry up matters little-rush things
through, mean. Why, could have the
entire house cleaned in a day, and not
half try"
A mischievous glance sparkled for an
instant in Mrs. Dale's dark eyes, but she
answered, gravely:
"Could your Oh, do wish that you
WOuiu w lOI IL Will bph6 Iu6
three weeks at the least. But of course
you cannot spare the time from your bust
ness"
Whether from wish to demonstrate
his domestic ability, or to avoid the threat
ened three weeks shower of soapsuds,
cannot say, but MIR. Dale instantly re-
sponded:
"Not get away from business I am
not quite sure about that. think might
be spared very well for few days now
dull season, you know--and if you prom
Use to make your sister little visit, why,
will guarantee to have the house cleaned
and put in perfect order for you. 1t will
be the best-managed affair of the kind
you ever heard Of" he continued; "more
economical than your way of doing, too,
and what save you shall have for new
bonnet"
So saying, Mr.. Dale arose from the
breakfast-table, looking very well satisfied
with the proposed arrangement, and as he
kissed his wife good-by for the day said I:
"Well, Queenie, it is bargain, is it ?"
When he had departed Mrs. Dale's
manner changed completely, and, seating
herself in a low rocker, peal after peal of
merry laughter echoed through the house,
as the little lady said, half aloud:
"The dear old goose, what reign Of
chaos shall find on my return But l
would be willing to lose considerable for
the satisfaction of demonstrating to John
the reality of a housekeeper's trials"
Two days later Mrs. Dale babe her
husband an affectionate farewell, with a
very demure countenance, and he did not
notice the mischief in her eyes, 80 intent
was he upon his new occupation.
"Stay until come for you, Dollie," he
said, sand you may expect to see me to-
morrow or the day after. 1t won't take
me long to do the work have on hand,
and promise that you shall find the best.
cleaned house that it was ever your good
fortune to see."
"Had not better stay and help you p
asked his wife, demurely.
"No, no, Queenie, would not have
you for the world Good.by, dear. Take
good care of YOURSELF" and he was gone.
This was early on Monday morning,
and late Saturday evening John Dale APP
peared at the house of his sister-in-law
with face and manner far more express
sive than words. He looked thin and
careworn, and had the appearance of one
who had just passed through great finan-
cial crisis, as he said quietly, in answer to
his wife's greeting "The house is ready,
Dollie. Will you come tonight 2"
She was glad to accompany him, for
the week of separation had seemed long
to her, and only her promise to remain
until called for had prevented her from
returning some days before.
81 did not get quite through" her hus.
band said, somewhat apologetically, as
they entered their own home; "but l
thought perhaps you would just as soon
come now, and / wanted to see you
awfully " he added, in tone full of
meaning.
They passed into the pretty hallway,
whose carpet stood in huge roll behind
the door.
81 sent three times for man to put il
down." John explained, +" and he promised
faithfully that he would be here to-day
but, as you see, the carpet is still up"
The parlor was comparatively in order,
that is, with the exception of the pictures
and bric.a, brac, which occupied large
space In the center of the room.