Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-11-27


of the Family.
From the Woman's Home Companion.
Perhaps there is nothing that adds more
to the happiness OF a home than the habit
OF cheerfulness. II is a potent factor I'm
the secret OF housekeeping. and the house,
wiIe VINO has always a pleasant smile and
soothing word has already acquired one
OF the most valuable accomplishments As
long ago as the days Of the wise man a
merry countenance had its recognized
value 1t is a duty to be pleasant Yet
how many neglect this important require
nent. Some women are constitutionally
cross and morose; others are weak ana
nervous. and are made fretful by the ex-
actions OF their household cares But there
is no excuse for much Of the friction that
exists IN many households. 1 have been I'm
some where the atmosphere seemed act
ually to bristle with hostilities. Everybody
was in a fret. and frowns and cross words
were the rule and not the exception How
uncomfortable life in such a home must
be to the inmates. as well as to the Passing
guests. One learns to shun such homes as
one would a pest house.
All women cannot be beautiful, but IL is
the duty OF every woman to look as well
as she can, and nothing adds more 10 a
woman's good looks than a cheerful coun-
tenance. Il have always said the good
Vicar Of Wakefield, been an admirer of
happy human faces" The sentiment IS
universal The pleasure thus derived COM
pensates for the absence of beauty. and
supplies the deficiency of symmetry and
grace.
Cheerfulness can be cultivated and ac-
quired as well other qualities IL cne's
work is exactng and tiresome, it makes Ii
no easier by being fretful. Form the habit
of being cheerful under adverse circum-
stances Our happiness" observes a
standard writer, lis a sacred deposit for
winch we must give account" A serene
and amiable temper is among its most eff
Gent personalities. 1t is a virtue not 20
be gainsaid. Admiral Collingwood one of
Engiands great naval heroes, i'm his let
ters to his daughters, says: IT never knew
your mother to utter a harsh or hasty
thing to any person in my life." What
loftier eulogy could a woman have than
1t should be numbered among woman,s
household duties that she make others
happy To do this successfully she must
In some degree be happy herself. If one
is happy she will be cheerful. 1t is not
the happy and contented who fret because
their hres do not burn or because the steak
Is overdone. and who hush boisterous
Some women are naturally cheerful, but
allow themselves to be put out by little
tEirgs. Suppose the servant has broken a
dish, or the butter doesn't come or your
husband comes home to dinner late does
1T nerd matters by any impatient COM
plant? Preserve your equanimity The
world was not made in a day, nor was IL
made all flowers and ripping sunshine
Your work will go along much smoother
you will accomplish more. and you will
make others happier by being cheerful
Cheerfulness is the best lubricant in the
world, and in the machinery of household
tolls and cares it often happens that a
little is needed. Where there is cheerful
ness there are always order and thrift. aid
comfort. 1t is better than high descent or
gold. 1t is Jewel more precious than any
ever dug from the mines Of Golconda and
Ike the sunshine, cannot be dispensed With
Very fervently and very pfousIy we spv.
God bless the cheerful womanr'