superior to this male idiosyncrasy, to term it
mildly, and allow you a stated sum monthly. The home is the woman's
kingdom, and she should be allowed to think for it, to buy for it, and
not to be cramped by lack of money to do as she thinks best for it."

"But, Aunt Sarah, some housewives are so silly that husbands cannot
really be blamed for withholding money from them and preventing them
from frittering it away in useless extravagance."

"Mary, wise wives should not suffer for those who are silly and
extravagant. I don't like to be sarcastic, but with the majority of
the men, silliness appeals to them more than common sense. Men like to
feel their superiority to us. However, though inexperienced, Mary, you
aren't silly or extravagant, and Ralph could safely trust you with his
money. It makes a woman so self-respecting, puts her on her mettle, to
have money to do as she pleases with, to be trusted, relied upon as a
reasoning, responsible being. A man, especially a young husband, makes
a grave mistake when he looks upon his wife as only a toy to amuse
him in his leisure moments and not as one to be trusted to aid him in
his life work. A trusted young housewife, with a reasonable and
regular allowance at her command, be she ever so inexperienced, will
soon plan to have wholesome, nutritious food at little cost, instead
of not knowing until a half hour before meal time what she will serve.
She would save money and the family would be better nourished;
nevertheless, I would impress it on the young housewife not to be too
saving or practice too close economy, especially when buying milk and
eggs, as there is nothing more nutritious or valuable. A palatable
macaroni and cheese; eggs or a combination of eggs and milk, are
dishes which may be substituted occasionally, at less expense, for
meat. A pound of macaroni and cheese equals a pound of steak in food
value. Take time and trouble to see that all food be well cooked and
served, both in an attractive and appetizing manner. Buy the cheaper
cuts of stewing meats, and by long, slow simmering, they will become
sweet and tender and of equal nutritive value as higher priced
sirloins and tenderloins.

"But, Mary, I've not yet finished that trunk and its contents. That
slightly-faded pink chambray I'll cut up into quilt blocks. Made up
with white patches, and quilted nicely, a pretty quilt lined with
white, will be evolved. I have such a pretty design of pink and white
called th