Trials and Confessions of a HousekeeperArthur, T. S. (Timothy Shay)
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Trials and Confessions of a Housekeeper
Arthur, T. S. (Timothy Shay)
Home economics -- Fiction; Housekeeping -- Fiction; Housewives -- Fiction
"Now let me introduce you to another acquaintance. She was in
precisely the same situation, having a comfortable income and one
domestic; but her children were much more numerous, and she had had
very limited advantages for education. Yet she managed her family
better than any woman I ever saw, or ever expect to see again. I
will relate a scene I witnessed there, by way of contrast to the one
I have just described. Myself and several friends once entered her
parlor unexpectedly, just as the family were seated at the
supper-table. A little girl, about four years old, was obliged to be
removed, to make room for us. Her mother assured her she should have
her supper in a little while, if she was a good girl. The child
cried; and the guests insisted that room should be made for her at
table. 'No,' said the mother; 'I have told her she must wait; and if
she cries, I shall be obliged to send her to bed. If she is a good
little girl, she shall have her supper directly.' The child could
not make up her mind to obey; and her mother led her out of the
room, and gave orders that she should be put to bed without supper.
When my friend returned, her husband said, 'Hannah, that was a hard
case. The poor child lost her supper, and was agitated by the
presence of strangers. I could hardly keep from taking her on my
knee, and giving her some supper. Poor little thing! But I never
will interfere with your management; and much as it went against my
feelings, I entirely approve of what you have done.' 'It cost me a
struggle,' replied his wife; 'but I know it is for the good of the
child to be taught that I mean exactly what I say.'
"This family was the most harmonious, affectionate, happy family I
ever knew. The children were managed as easily as a flock of lambs.
After a few unsuccessful attempts at disobedience, when very young,
they gave it up entirely; and always cheerfully acted from the
conviction that their mother knew best. This family was governed
with great strictness; firmness was united with gentleness. The
indulgent mother, who said she loved her children too much to punish
them, was actually obliged to punish them ten times as much as the
strict mother did."
THE END.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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