ptain, that before all the
facts were out in this case about Morton, they actually had it in every
direction that it was I who had whipped my wife.' 'Now Page,' said the old
captain, 'you know that's no such thing; for every body in New Haven is
well aware that when there was any flogging going on in the matrimonial
line, in your house, it was you that came off the worst.' Page did not say
a word."

"I am glad I am not yoked with one of your New Haven belles, if turning a
Jerry Sneak is to be the consequence," said Arthur.

"This marrying is a terrible necessity, Arthur," said Abel. "I don't know
how I'll be supported under it when my time comes; but after all, I think
the women get the worst of it. There were not two prettier girls in New
Haven than my sisters. Julia, who has been married some eight or nine
years, was really beautiful, and so animated and cheerful; now she has that
wife-like look of care, forever on her countenance. Her husband is always
reproaching her that that little dare devil of a son of hers does not keep
his clothes clean. The other evening I was at their house, and they were
having a little matrimonial discussion about it. It seems little Charlie
had been picked up out of the mud in the afternoon, and brought in in such
a condition, that it was sometime before he could be identified. After
being immersed in a bathing tub it was ascertained that he had not a clean
suit of clothes; so the young gentleman was confined to his chamber for
the rest of the evening, in a night gown. This my brother-in-law considered
a great hardship, and they were talking the matter over when I went in.

"'Why don't you make the boy clothes enough, Julia?' said he.

"'I am forever making and forever mending,' said Julia; 'but it is
impossible to keep that young one clean. He had twelve pairs of pantaloons
in the wash last week, and the girl was sick, and I had to iron them
myself. I guess if you had all the trouble I have with him, you would put
him to bed and make him stay there a week.'

"'I tell you what it is, good people,' said I, 'when I go courting I intend
to ask the lady in the first place if she likes to make boys' clothes. If
she says No, I shan't have her, no matter what other recommendations she
may possess.'

"'She'll be sure to give you the mitten for your impudence,' said Julia.
Then, there is my pretty sister Harriet, quilting quilts, trimming
nightcaps, and spoiling her bright eyes making her wed