The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-01-04

by IPnore Sherwood Marble in a New YORK
Letter.
DEAR FDrToR: wish we might have more talks
IN regard to conducting a newiy-esiaeished
home both in q social Way and in the matter 81
furnishing. I know If a girl who Is soon To De
deeply interested in snch a venture. L. V. G'
Thnssk% T. V. g. for the suggestion and as a
slnreer let Lenore Sherwood Marble tell story oil
her New York Winter home. Then. let others tell
their experiences In The line of housekeeping. in
simple way. People with large purses can put
themselves in the hands of a furnisher No need
for them &c plan. Here lie the story, and pleas
ant one il is
SIX WOMEN IN FLAT.
There are just six Of Us living In dear little fat
six graduates from boarding houses and SIX OF The
MANIFEST emareipased beings in the whole city.
used 10 think that would not 10 live here un-
less had large income but il is such mistake
never used TO be sble TO imagine home-life here.
but New York is full Of little nesis; houses where
there are wives. children and fresidesi where
there is much exclusion and domestic felicity
n in the heart of The country.
Our little fat IS way up the fourth floor, and
stands above The surrounding buildings so that
ihe sun pours its wealth of warmth and cheer in
upon us, and makes pretty rooms just the
brightest and cOsiest in the world
There are seven rooms in apartment, and
seven 10 occupy them, including our little maid
sees two brass bedseads in the distinctive sleeping
rooms and they do not know thai Our Oriental
divans. piled up with downy pillows. are made TO
do double duty Our furnishings simple and
artistic the floors painted and covered with an &C.
casionai rug, and the rooms nst ali cluttered
MP with furniture like the average fiat, which
eembles 4 fuTaiture-shop more than anything else
The pretty sheer curtains at our windows cost
the magnificent OF six cents per yard. and our
- 1a.,~a
cred firsi. with whine paper muslin. and then
draped With siiialine in soft eelors.
Our janior who lsut the shelves ia the boxes IS
stolid German with prominent jaw and ragged
rnustacie that his snout and one Of his
hiss singular way of dropping; as lie looks at you
with eye The other gradually opens and rises
10 meet II, which gives linn qIizz4cal look. He
had an expression Of pity his face as he sci up
our pine boxes. thinking were going 10
them In their natural state. in marked contrast 10
the Sandstone furnishings Of more afiuent
neiRhbors
His ua6ise tised asiouishment at the transforma-
tioniof rough pine fnlO dainty dressing-iabes made
the of eye bob up 10 The most unexpected IMAM
ner TO meet the other. His remarks were eiIsrHe-
Ieristic of the German whose IDEAS Of de Einsens"
are not beyond ihe household drudge who must
serve her lord AID mast li8questioAingiF.
The interest lie displays in our modes of furnish
apartment is positively refreshing.
Our friends have interested themselves in our
venture ia a charming y-pracical way. and have
ali Of pretty useful things for little
domiciie. and IL real has quite an air.
We proud q it that would moi be
ashamed 20 ask Queen Victoria TO of our din
Ders. They simple little affairs bat with good
cheer and hospitality, and cordial welcome served
with every Artists. musicians, journalists,
and some Of The dramatic profession visit Bo-
henlia. and our evenings are given up to music and
conversation. With accomplished pianist.
yiOlnst. aud two singers. eau furnish a musical
program from ranks.
There are wagers up among friends to the
probable result Of our venture. People declare
fhat six ne-er live together. and that it
Will ~ end in a grand row that six might live
Together. but six woIDeB-Berer!
Six Idle women. perhaps not; bat six busy
women, ali occupied, and with serious aim
tsfe have tnle 10 sqnaiJhe the petty TRIES
that make the life of the idler burden to herself
and friends We all &c uAiIy poor there is no
chance for Jealousy, and what is more. Of us
care 10 be rich; wardTobes eq iaIly limited.
and VIC 90 moi two strRws IL cur Deighbor's
curtains fiDer quality. her tailor made gowns
of Reofern's make.
Why, o, WHY
Why canno, families live tn just such harrnoni-
Gus manner this? Why cannot women be con-
tested with their surroundings and not be forever
striving after the unati:tiukble, trying to Quito
their neigbbors and making their dissatisfaction
an clement OF discord in their honest
And why cannot men be satisfied with their wives
and bring into their homes some OF the outside
cheer aud good feeling that characierizes their deal
Ings with men?
FITEES AND HARMONY.
The fra thing 10 consider in furnishing a house
a small income II the flness ihe harmony of
everything Sometimes a fess heavy. elaborate
pieces OF furniture, 10 a simple house spoils the
effect Of the whole.
Floors are pretty painted or laid with straw mat
ting. and covered with occasional rug; and II
one has ingenuity. common pieces of furniture eau
bepsinted white. and the seats Of the chairs co..
cred with homemade cushions in any desired ma
teTial and coiors mosi effectively.
Then, instead Of buying expensive bureaus
dressing can be made OF dry-goods boxes
that answer every purpose ami give room such a
dainty look. Take dry-g0ods box OF the desired
size. aad Il up its side; thea lig ia as many
shelves desired. Cuver ihe whole with white
paper muslin Inside aud outside. Put "A layer Of
cotton over the top aud sprinkle il with sscbel
powder. then cover with sik or cambria or any
pretty material. Cover fis sides with the same
material. gathered with a irili ike curtains aud
divided ia trout. mirror draped With the same
NnsteTiai HING near the dresser. makes a complete
and ply bareau.
A. her esileiic article Of furniture for the
hv' be easily arranged. Purchase a
CO. ro; assd mats res. Cut The legs of about
1f.s-e .--as and cover with "a curtain or any SGT.
a an ifDpfgvissa covrs. Tl.ef pile up quantities
- pillows al ibe back against ie wall. Tie pi.-
loNs ezB be Of ans size sad covered With any ma.
iefIal. aud the more she beltcr.
Ose 81 tie s"eEc.~ 81 lisc successful enterianu.
So
on til frbe- Never s,stsii elaborate meal cut
ofEafg "iili he RES = Your surroundings but
keci' ey's l,s9g in harmony. Give your guests a
hearty wecVsise. aud do spoil your hospitality
by apoosi'-s liia, ll..-G- better. Above ali
things be hslurzl. be simple. The tendency OF the
day Is toward simplicity in everything. Let sim
nlicfiy rat yosF home.
Lsnore Sherwood Marble