The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1889-04-20
But what will you do, Hector?

We'll keep bachelors hall, father and
l, said the Young man cheerily. What
does it signify to US, little inconven-
lence, so long as you are benefited?
So, rather unwillingy, CYNTHIA went
Old Silas Baylf shook his head fore
bodingly.
If this is the way you're goin' to baby
that wife of your'n Hector, said he,
you'll have her playin' sick the whole
time. ! don t hold to letting women
think themselves too important. Now
we shall be obleeged to hev Mary Jen-
klns here to do the chores an cook, an
it'll cost us dollar and a-half a week
at the very least. 'Tain't what | call
economical housekeepin'.
That depends upon what one calls
economy, said Hector, quietly.
But when his nelghbor, Luzen Per-
klns, drove past that afternoon, with his
wife, Hector called them in, secretly
rejoicing that old Silas was down in the
swamp-lot, capturing a refractory calf.
You're not in hurry, Luzen, are
you? SAID he. Sit down a minute. |
want to ask your wife's advice.
A pretty thing to do, laughed Mrs.
Perkins, when you've got a wife OF your
own.
It's about her that | want to consult
you, said Hector. The work is too
heavy for her. She don't seem to get
along with it. And | don't know why.
Now, Mrs. Perkins, look around this
kitchen, and tell me what you would do
if you lived here.
Mrs. Perkins took leisurely view of
the premises, letting her eyes rest on
one portion after another with medita-
tive slowness. We'll? said Hector.
In the first place, said Mrs. Perkins.
l wouldn't have this room for kitchen
at all, If | lived here. It's damp.
Damp echoed Hector.
As blue mold, nodded the oracle.
The cellar under 1t isn't properly drain
ed, | am certain. And the windows
look to the north, and l don't suppose
there is an hours sunshine in it all day.
No-make storeplace or something
of this room, and take the sitting room
for the kitchen, where there's a bright
lookout to the south, and a good
cemented cellar underneath.
l never thought of that, said Hector
We'll, what else?
Where do you get your waterP asked |
Mrs. Perkins.
From the spring under the hill.
Do you mean that your wife has to
oiinS all thS WdlCl YOU use up THAT nlll |
Except the wash water. That she
dips out from the hogshead under the
caves, explained Hector, rather discom-
fitted.
My goodness me, said Mrs. Perkins,
wringlng her plump hands in comical
dlsmay that's enough to break any
constitution
It's what we have always done said
Hector. bring a couple of pals in
the morning before go to work and
after | come home, but
Nonsense a mere drop in the bucket
said Mrs. Perkins. What you want is a
sink, with water pipes laid from the
spring, and good cistern, with a pump
in the kitchen, and washing machine
What's that? said Hector.
Well show you one if you'll come
over to our house said Luzen Perkins,
And stationary tubs in the cellar"
added Mrs. Perkins, and a hot water
boiler back of the stove.
That's the way to break work down
instead of letting it break you down.
I'll do it, said Hector; I'll have all
:hese things fixed up while Cynthia is
at her mothers if you'll just help me
With your experience.
Mrs. Perkins nodded approvingly.
It will add ten more years to Gym
HAS life, said she.
Cd Sias shook his head more stren-
lously than ever, when he heard OF
hese new plans
Hector, SAID he, l believe you're
gone crazy! The old way was good
enough for your mother; l should
hink they'd be good enough for your
wife.
But Hector was firm and the old
nan lost his temper at last.
can't stay here and see you MAXIM
1ucks and brakes of the old place, said
lie. If you're goin' to set your wife up
or an idol and worship her, l shan't
'tand by and see it. I'll 60 to Ohio
md visit my brother Elnathan's folks
md we'll see where all these fine no.
ion will bring you up. Anyhow, you
needn't look to my money to get you
,ut OF the Door house.
No, father, will not, said Hector.
And after he was gone, the repairs
Ind improvement commenced in good
earnest.
Sllas Bayliff had intended to stay
year in Ohio but either the climate did
lot agree with him, or he didn't agree
VI