The Home or the Club

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 11, 1907

The Home or the Club

IN these days when the club and the fashionable church entertainment are taking such heavy toll from the household, the example set by a true womanly housekeeper who knows her mission and does it is refreshing to the beholder. Such an example we give in the following extract from an article in the Christian Work and Evangelist:—

“Mrs. X. Y. Z. had been induced to render special aid at a great church supper. She was to act as matron at the chapel that night, several other capable women to assist her, and a bevy of fresh young girls to act as waitresses. Her husband, who had been absent a week, was to return the next day. Mrs. X. Y. Z. had been chosen as lady-in-chief of the evening because of her great skill as a housekeeper, also because of her superior bearing and always pleasing manners. At noon came a telegram saying her husband would return in time for dinner that evening, bringing with him a valued business friend to spend the night. The message ended with the significant words: ‘Nothing more needed.’ The wife at once interpreted their meaning. Her husband felt sure that the home, the dinner, his wife’s presence, would all duly and faithfully be awaiting him.

“When the matron-elect stated the case at the chapel, a mighty clamor arose. Could not the husband and his friend come to the chapel feast? If not, was it not the lady’s duty, that once, to let the servant serve a good dinner? Was it really necessary to disappoint so many just for the sake of pleasing one?”

“Mrs. X. Y. Z. raised her graceful hands: ‘My first duty, to-day and forever, is in my own home. Not for anything would I destroy or shake my husband’s faith in this matter. He wants the privacy and freedom of his own fireside after a week’s unavoidable absence; there are others who can abundantly fill my place, and I must go at once and prepare the dinner my husband is as sure of as he could be of anything.’”

“She went smilingly away. There were murmurs and complaints, until Mrs. A. B. C. said, resolutely: ‘She is right! She is right; there isn’t a happier household in this place than hers. Her husband adores her, and certainly the children are the very pictures of content. The case was just this: our lady was to do one of two things—disappoint her husband or disappoint us. I say, she was right; home first, and every time!’ And there wasn’t a dissenting word.”

“Women may be changing, but appeal directly and sensibly to the right kind of wives, mothers, and housekeepers, and regarding a plain duty there will not be a dissenting word.”