“The house looks smaller than it is,” said Aunt Melville, “which I consider a serious defect.  It ought to look larger; it should have a tower, and the front door should be toward the street.”

“Your chambers are excellent,” said Uncle Harry.  “The personality of human beings should be respected.  The chief object of home is to give to each individual a chance for unfettered development.  Every soul is a genius at times and feels the necessity of isolation.  Especially do we need to be alone in sleep, and to this end every person in a house is entitled to a separate apartment.  I commend the family suite.”

“A nobby house,” said Cousin George.

“I like our own better,” said his wife, sotto voce, which was a worthy sentiment and should have been openly expressed.  Fondness for our own is the chief of domestic virtues.

“Is it paid for?” inquired Jack’s father.  To which Jack replied: 

“It is:  and the house that I built is sold to the most stylish people you ever saw.  They paid me more than this cost, but I wouldn’t swap with them for a thousand dollars to boot.”

“No; neither would they change with us for two thousand.”

Just as the clock struck nine the door-bell rang and the rector and his wife were announced.  Before Jill could realize what was taking place she found herself an amazed and helpless spectator in her own house, for Jim and Bessie stood side by side under the curtains leading to the library, and the rector was reading the solemn marriage service.  By way of calming her excitement Jack found a chance to whisper to Jill,

“They have been engaged six months.”

“You unnatural husband!  Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Didn’t know it myself till this afternoon.”

There was no time for further explanations, for the good rector was saying:  “I am sure you will agree with me that building and cherishing a consecrated home is the noblest work we can do on earth.  From such homes spring all public and private excellence, all patriotic virtues, all noble charities and philanthropies, all worthy service of God and man.  Whether high or low, rich or poor, in all times and in all places, domestic life, in its purity and strength, is the safeguard of individuals and the bulwark of nations.  And when, in after years, other solemn sacraments shall be performed beneath this roof, may it still be found a sacred temple of peace and love!”

Bessie and Jim kept house in two chambers until a cottage of four rooms, with an attic and wood-shed, was finished, which happened before cold weather.  Her wedding present from Jack was an express wagon full of obsolete household utensils.  She had learned to make the fire in the kitchen, and nothing was more acceptable than such a load of dry kindling wood.

The house that Jill built cost ten thousand dollars.  Jim’s cost less than one thousand.  Bessie declares that the smaller the house the greater the happiness it contains.  She may be right, but Jill denies it, and it is never safe to draw general conclusions from special cases.