And so the wash-day drama comes to an end.  We survey with pride and complaisance the piles of clean linen, shining with spotless elegance, and as we read therein a whole sermon on the “Gospel of Cleanliness,” we conclude that it is decidedly worth while, and rejoice that fifty-two times a year this is a “washing-day world.”

CHAPTER VIII

TABLE FURNISHINGS

The mistress no doubt has a housewifely taste for receipts, and may, perhaps, find the following formula of service to her in her home-making: 

DINING-ROOM CHEER

One set of fine, spotless table linen sprinkled—­not too thickly—­with pretty glass, china, and silver, and well lightened with brightness tempered to the right consistency not to dazzle.  To this add a few sunny faces, some good conversation spiced with gayety—­the unpalatable, distasteful portions having been previously eliminated.  Then quietly and by degrees add food which has been carefully and daintily prepared and arranged.  Over all scatter little flecks of kindliness and courtesy till an inward glow is produced, and keep at this point from half an hour to an hour, or longer.

This receipt may be depended upon to give satisfaction under any and all conditions, and is compounded of ingredients which exemplary home makers have always at hand.  If conscientiously followed failure is impossible.  “Its use is a good habit.”

STOCKING THE CHINA CUPBOARD

Of its component parts the more substantial ones are perhaps the most easily acquired; not in hit-or-miss, anything-to-get-it-done fashion, but with a view to carrying out some definite idea of table adornment, which is quite the most charming part of the home building.  Dishes are more or less mixed up with poesy, which is full of “flowing bowls,” “enchanted cups,” “dishes for the gods,” “flagons of ale,” and other appetizing suggestions; and it would be rather a good thing to keep the poetry in mind during the fitting out, that there may be nothing aggressively cheap nor loudly assertive, but each piece harmoniously congenial to its fellows.  There need be no hurry—­that is one of the delights o’ it—­and the shopping may mean only “looking,” for the good buyer believes that many dishes are to be examined but few chosen—­a meat set here, a salad set there, a piece of cut glass somewhere else—­here a little and there a little, with time to get acquainted with and enjoy each added treasure as it comes.  It is a rare experience, this stocking the china cupboard; one likely to be prolonged through one’s entire housekeeping experience, thanks be!

THE GROUNDWORK