Many times in the use of fiber brushes, whether for personal or household uses, it is wise to immerse them completely in water for one-half minute and set them aside to dry, resting on the fiber face of the brush instead of the wooden back or on one of the ends. Laying the brush flat down permits the entire surface to drain in the shortest possible time. The object of dipping the brush in water before use is to overcome a factory defect which is possible in some factories, for once the fibers of the brush are dipped in water, the water is drawn up into the hole by capillary attraction and rusts the staple which is of iron wire; and as this staple starts to rust, it forms a bond with the wood that makes the anchoring permanent. Should there be one or two loose tufts, they will be cured by the rusting process. After using the brush, shake out the water and place it face downward or standing on the bristles so that it will drain and dry. You are particularly interested in the manufacture of brushes, except to get what you pay for. The handles of your brushes must be comfortable, smooth, long enough in some instances to save your back from pain and short or small enough to fit your hand. In all cases they must be firm and reliable. The handles are preferably not joined with a swivel joint, as this is apt to turn. The clamp is a better fastening. In the best grade of household brush most of the handles are of wood or twisted wire, treated so as to be practically rustless. The nail brush and tooth brushes, of course, are often of French ivory and the handle is so made as to allow no dirt to remain in the handle. Often, too, the bristles can be taken out to be cleaned or replaced. (The hair-brush is a story in itself.) Brushes must be easily cleaned and cared for. Brush racks can be bought or carpenters make them very simply. Above all, you want a brush that brushes, whose bristles or fibers are anchored to stay, whose utility goes with years, not months, whose death depends not on use but abuse, and to whose employing you look forward with pleasure. CHAPTER XXX THE QUIET HOUSE The entrance to a house is like the tonic chord of a sonata. It gives you the key, the introduction to the atmosphere of the home. You really get an impression of a home immediately upon entering the hallway. It is also true that on entering a house you are lured or repelled by the sounds in it, whether from the house itself or the people living there. If you are greeted by loud voices, slamming doors, creaking stairs, there is immediately the impression that this particular home is not well ordered and that the people in it are not at peace. But if you are at once enveloped by quiet and loveliness, a feeling of peace is suggested and involuntarily we expect to meet a charming family.