第21章

THE CYNOSURE.

It's a singular thing that the commonest place Is the hardest to properly fill;That the labor imposed on a full half the race Is so seldom performed with good will--To say nothing of knowledge or skill!

What we ask of all women, we stare at in one, And tribute of wonderment bring;If this task of the million is once fitly done We all hold our hands up and sing!

It's really a singular thing!

Isabel Porne was a cautious woman, and made no acclaim over her new acquisition until its value was proven.Her husband also bided his time; and when congratulated on his improved appearance and air of contentment, merely vouchsafed that his wife had a new girl who could cook.

To himself he boasted that he had a new wife who could love--so cheerful and gay grew Mrs.Porne in the changed atmosphere of her home.

"It is remarkable, Edgar," she said, dilating repeatedly on the peculiar quality of their good fortune."It's not only good cooking, and good waiting, and a clean house--cleaner than I ever saw one before; and it's not only the quietness, and regularity and economy--why the bills have gone down more than a third!""Yes--even I noticed that," he agreed.

"But what I enjoy the most is the _atmosphere,_" she continued."When Ihave to do the work, the house is a perfect nightmare to me!" She leaned forward from her low stool, her elbows on her knees, her chin in her hands, and regarded him intently.

"Edgar! You know I love you.And I love my baby--I'm no unfeeling monster! But I can tell you frankly that if I'd had any idea of what housework was like I'd never have given up architecture to try it.""Lucky for me you hadn't!" said he fondly."I know it's been hard for you, little girl.I never meant that you should give up architecture--that's a business a woman could carry on at home Ithought, the designing part anyway.There's your 'drawing-room' and all your things--""Yes," she said, with reminiscent bitterness, "there they are--and there they might have stayed, untouched--if Miss Bell hadn't come!""Makes you call her "Miss Bell" all the time, does she?"Mrs.Porne laughed."Yes.I hated it at first, but she asked if Icould give her any real reason why the cook should be called by her first name more than the seamstress or governess.I tried to say that it was shorter, but she smiled and said that in this case it was longer!--Her name is Diantha--I've seen it on letters.And it is one syllable longer.Anyhow I've got used to Miss Bell now.""She gets letters often?"

"Yes--very often--from Topolaya where she came from.I'm afraid she's engaged." Mrs.Porne sighed ruefully.

"I don't doubt it!" said Mr.Porne."That would account for her six months' arrangement! Well, my dear--make hay while the sun shines!""I do!" she boasted."Whole stacks! I've had a seamstress in, and got all my clothes in order and the baby's.We've had lot of dinner-parties and teas as you know--all my "social obligations" are cleared off!

We've had your mother for a visit, and mine's coming now--and I wasn't afraid to have either of them! There's no fault to be found with my housekeeping now! And there are two things better than that--yes, three.""The best thing is to see you look so young and handsome and happy again," said her husband, with a kiss.

"Yes--that's one.Another is that now I feel so easy and lighthearted Ican love you and baby--as--as I _do!_ Only when I'm tired and discouraged I can't put my hand on it somehow.

He nodded sympathetically."I know, dear," he said."I feel that way myself--sometimes.What's the other?""Why that's best of aIl!" she cried triumphantly."I can Work again!

When Baby's asleep I get hours at a time; and even when he's awake I've fixed a place where he can play--and I can draw and plan--just as I used to--_better_ than I used to!""And that is even more to you than loving?" he asked in a quiet inquiring voice.

"It's more because it means _both!_" She leaned to him, glowing, "Don't you see? First I had the work and loved it.Then you came--and I loved you--better! Then Baby came and I loved him--best? I don't know--you and baby are all one somehow."There was a brief interim and then she drew back, blushing richly."Now stop--I want to explain.When the housework got to be such a nightmare--and I looked forward to a whole lifetime of it and _no_improvement; then I just _ached_ for my work--and couldn't do it! And then--why sometimes dear, I just wanted to run away! Actually! From _both_ of you!--you see, I spent five years studying--I was a _real_architect--and it did hurt to see it go.And now--O now I've got It and You too, darling! _And_ the Baby!--O I'm so happy!""Thanks to the Providential Miss Bell," said he."If she'll stay I'll pay her anything!"The months went by.

Peace, order, comfort, cleanliness and economy reigned in the Porne household, and the lady of the house blossomed into richer beauty and happiness; her contentment marred only by a sense of flying time.

Miss Bell fulfilled her carefully specified engagement to the letter;rested her peaceful hour in the morning; walked and rode in the afternoon; familiarized herself with the length and breadth of the town;and visited continuously among the servants of the neighborhood, establishing a large and friendly acquaintance.If she wore rubber gloves about the rough work, she paid for them herself; and she washed and ironed her ****** and pretty costumes herself--with the result that they stayed pretty for surprising periods.

She wrote letters long and loving, to Ross daily; to her mother twice a week; and by the help of her sister's authority succeeded in maintaining a fairly competent servant in her deserted place.