Page:Side talks with girls (1895).djvu/245

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The Young Wife's First Year
233

mind that you will hold your tongue, but speak. A sullen silence is as bad as a quarrel.

If Jack has found fault with you about something you have left undone tell him you are sorry and you will do better in future. Say this with a laugh, and give a loving kiss after it, and to your surprise no quarrel will follow. If you disagree tell him with a smile to find out, when he is down town, which of you is right, but that you don't intend to have any ugly words about it. If things have gone wrong in the household, and he sees the effect without knowing the cause, tell him the reason why. Don't be afraid of your husband. Don't practise any small deceits with him, and then the kind words and the loving words will take the place of those that lead to unhappiness.

YOUR HUSBAND'S MOTHER

I will not call her your mother-in-law. I like to think that she is your mother in love. She is your husband's mother, and therefore yours, for his people have become your people. There have been vulgar jests, ridiculous songs and coarse puns about the husband's mother ever since any of us can remember, but in how many households is the husband's mother an angel, not in disguise, but appreciated and loved? Now, will you take my advice and call her what your husband does?