Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1901-01-17
Girls Work.

I've Just come from DR.. Kents,
mother. had to carry over note for
father, and whatever do you suppose
saw" said Fred Maynard as he came
into the cool, airy sitting-room and
stretched himself out in the big will
low reclining chair.
Mrs. Maynard looked up from her
mending when the chair creaked omi-
nously as Fred dropped between its ca
pacious arms and began to swing a
palm-leaf fan vigorously to and fro.
Something extraordinary, judging
from your manner. What might 1t
have been?" she said.
well, went round to the porch at
the side Of the house, and there stood
Will Kent with long white apron
tied round his neck, ironing-ironing
handkerchiefs, table napkins and all
sorts of duds," chuckled Fred. What
fun it will be to tell the other fell
lows!"
"Ah. let me see," his mother said
reflectively. II believe Will is not SO
lucky as to own three sisters. In fact
he has not any. You had better thank
fortune for yours, for If it had not been
for them, you would have been follow
ing his example long ago, fear. For
my part, think 1t creditable per-
Torrance instead of a laughable one.
Did he seem at all ashamed of his
work." she asked.
ooh, no." answered Fred, somewhat
abashed and subdued by his mothers
rebuke. HE looked up and saw me
and waved his ironing holder. saying
that he was thinking Of starting
laundry In opposition to Soy Wings
and called me up to see how fine he'd
done the fringed doilies."
"He has plenty of common sense"
was the lady's comment. Most Of
you boys have a notion that all girls
work. as you call it, is degrading, and
lowers you in the eyes OF your play
mates. A knowledge Of housework Is
a fine thing to possess occasionally.
Did you know that your father is a
fine cook and housekeeper?"
NO." was the surprised answer.
when we were first married, your
fathers earnings would not allow me
to keep maid or hire any work done,
SO when I broke my wrist by falling
on the ice, he turned to with will.
and under my directions became fine
cook and housemaid. Do you think 1t
hurt him in any way?"
81 should like to eat some Of his
cookery" laughed Fred. Il wonder
what folks would think now to see dig
nified Judge Maynard rolling out pie
crust"
"Your uncle John is great hero in
your sight," his mother proceeded,
yet he sews nicely, keeps his clothes
in repair when ct sea, knits his own
stockings sometimes, and makes fine
rugs for aunt Sarah"
do you remember when I tried to
patch my trousers?" Queriei Fred with
laugh.
do 1? You took piece of light
gray cloth for the patch. The trou-
sers were dark brown. Then you took
some bright green basting thread and
sewed 1t in with stitches at least an
inch long" was the amused reply.
II think 1t would be a good idea.
Fred, for you to make bargain with
your sisters. They can teach you how
to do few simple necessary house,
hold tasks so that should occasion
ever arise for it, you could make your
self good cup of coffee or tea, and
bake batch Of biscuits" said mis-
mother. as she rose to put aside her
work. Then in return, you shall
teach them to harness old Fan, a thing
they have never yet tried, and how to
drive nail and use a saw. Every
woman needs to understand such
work. because she is often placed in
situation where there Is no manly arm
to do these things for her."
Agreed" said Fred. Just the
same, don't tell the boys, or they'll be
asking for one Of 'sissy's doughballs
Leader.