Democratic Sentinel, Volume 13, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 April 1889 — A WORD TO THE GIRLS. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

A WORD TO THE GIRLS.

BY JEFFIE FORBUSH-HANAFOBD.

ft GOOD houseI wife is a great | blessing. Men 1 admire beauty ■kind fall desperately in love with a pair of bright eyes, a dimpled chin, and a glory of s’lining hair; hut when once this angelic being

becomes their own for life, they awake as from a trance, anti expect to find in connection with these distracting dimples and sparkling eyes something that is far more essential to their happiness in this life—namely, a wife who is capable of taking entire charge of her household affairs,and is as familiar with the duties of the kitchen as with the etiquette of the parlor. Thus, in order to please her husband and retain his love and respect, a woman must have some knowledge of housekeeping. Before marriage tho ardent young lover does not give this all-important subject a second thought, but after marriage—ah! that is different—after marriage he naturally expects his wife to at least understand how to take charge of a house, even if his financial condition in life is such that she is not obliged to do the work herself. She should fully understand how a good dinner is to be prepared, and how to serve it in an attractive manner, them she will find herself capable of directing a servant in the duties which belong to her station, and by this knowledge alone, if for no other reason, she will command the servant’s respeot. Think of this, girls, and when your mother urges you—as I think nearly •all mothers do; I know mine did—to acquire some knowledge of the wonderful art of linking good bread and prepai ing a nourishing diet, do not refuse to follow her advice. Bear in mind that a lack of these qualifications on the part of the wife has been the cause of much domestic difficulty, / Apropos of “domestic difficulty,” I am tempted to add a few words to the young men, for some of them may accidentally read this little article. It is this: If you marry, try and appreciate your wife’s first effort to keep house. Don’t misunderstand me. I mean, show your appreciation, not only by a deep, inward satisfaction which is not discernible to the naked eye, but by word of mouth. Don’t be afraid to say right out in good, plain English that you are pleased. Remember that a little praise from tho husband will go far toward resting a tired wife, and if she strives to do her best, give her credit, for it. Never forget that it takes practice to make perfect. If she makes biscuit for tea and they ‘don’t turn out as light and flaky as your mother’s used to be, just take my advice and don’t say so, unless you want to entirely discourage her, and make her think that life and housekeeping are burdens too heavy to bear. There is only one course for you to pursue. Eat at least one of the biscuits, then praise them. Say they are delicious and call her your darling. Don’t forget all the old pet names just because your sweetheart is now your wife. Tell her tho biscuits are even better than those your mother used to make. Don’t hesi f ate to say this simply because it isn’t quite truthful. Such a prevarication will be readily overlooked, for it is in a good, cause, and you may depend upon it your wife will be very grateful for your good-natured remarks. She will see at a glance that the biscuits are not as they should be, but instead of feeling tired and discouraged and spoiling her pretty eyes crying, she will make a second attempt which will no doubt be a great improvement on the first, for we all know that experience is a valuable part of an education. Take my advice, young men, and your homes will doubtless be happy ones; and on entering you will encounter bright smiles and pleasant words. —Chicago Ledger ,