The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1886-09-03
THE GUEST

IbL GtESI dEtA HER.
One Of the reasons why so many duties,
especially simple ones, are ill-performed is
because Of the general impression that
everyone knows how to do them. Even an
unframed scullion would scott at the idea
that she had not a perfect comprehension
of how 10 make a bed, sweep a room or
wash dishes. This armor of seIf-confidence
is the hardest in the world to penetrate.
Yet, unless the reliance on ones own in
falibillity be shaken it is not easy to gain
any benefit from instructions or the right
method OF performing any household task.
Another difficulty is caused by the ease
hardened prejudice of those who prefer
their own old way to any improvement
that may be suggested. "What was good
enough for my mother is good enough for
me" is a ''crusher'' that has silcneed va
rious well-meant attempts to give hints OF
useful points of house and home damage
ment. Why this argument should be con-
sidered conclusive when applied to these
tolN1 hift liiiIAN Ituot'tiiiiS ID Apb nv
hered to in the lines Of dress aud amuse-
ment would be hard to determine. 1t is
well for every woman to cultivate the habit
OF once in a while getting outside of her
ing, if not herself, at least her surround
ings, and by comparing them with those
of others obtain a glimpse Of how they
may he bettered. In this manner little
differences may be perceived and supplied.
Among the household departments where
accustomedness is apt to breed neglect
may be mentioned the BEDROOM and its ap-
pliances. The sleeping apartments of the
members of a family may contain all that
is needful for complete comfort, while the
guest chamber is overlooked. The French
mode of a table dc nuit--a little stand by
the head of the bed bearing candle and
matches-is a boon not only to those who
cultivate the pleasant and pernicious habit
of reading in bed, but also to a stranger
who may wish a light at night and be in
uncertainty where to find it in his new
surroundings. Such a table, draped with
a dainty cloth and laden with a brass on
china candlestick, match safe, watch stand,
Bible and one or two other books, combine
use and ornament very agreeably.
The bureau of the ordinary spare bed
room is sparsely furnished with the minor
conveniences that one desires in ones own
chamber. While it may be taken for
granted that the average traveller comes pro
vided with necessary articles, it is well to
have them in readiness for the benefit of the
forgetful guest. Not only such o5yions
essentials as hair brush and comb, but a
whisk broom, hand glass, powder box, nail
toilet, scissors, hair pins and a cushion well
stocked with pins, both black and white.
Let at least two, if not all, of the bureau
drawers be empty and at the disposal of the
visitor. If this canton is needless in solne
homes, let such hostesses reeollect that
there are houses where the drawers and
closets of the ''spare-room" are reserved fol-
the best clothes ofthe family, while the nn-
fortunate guest is forced, in expressive
phrase, ''to live in her trunk"
In covering the top of the washstand
there are serious objections to the use of a
towel or cloth. The most careful bather
can not avoid splashing water, and tho
fabric soon becomes soaked and offensive
both TO eyes and nostrils. A Japanese
bamboo mat spread under the bowl is
easily wiped dry, and smaller ones
may be used for the soap dish, mug, etc.
To protect the wall at the back of the
stand hangings of mating may be used,
the regulation embroidered splasher, or,
prettiest of all, little curtains of Madras
run ON cords or slender rods.
A gnest chamber should always he fur
nished with writing table and materials,
that the visitor may neither be forced to
use her lap as a writing tablet or have IL
seek one of the family liying-rooms when
| ever she desires to indite a letter. Blotter,
well-flled inkstand, pen, paper and enve-
lopes should be at the disposal of the
euest.-Christine Terhune Herf7ek.