1903 The still-room by C. Roundell

The StilLRoom

fighting shy of it.

In housewifery there can be but

little pretence, for no ignorance may remain hid, BlufF and a ready tongue or pen go a long way towards creating many a " brilliant reputation " in the " artistic " and vapid world which lives at clubs and restaurants, and runs societies for im- proving other people. But no bluff will ever avail in the presence of the food or drink in the pre- paration of which our skill has been employed. The products of housewifery speak for themselves ; they are no empty expressions of sentiments which may be false or true. In no way, indeed, can affection be displayed with more subtle grace and delicacy than by the thoughtfulness of the housewife. The greatest of poets has no such instrument at his command. Not that women, in order to be efficient in their homes, need be ignorant of the events and thoughts which are in progress outside. Quite otherwise, they should be able to be the boon companions of men. But what I would urge is that they should take over as their share of the necessary work of mankind the management of that department which is immediately associated with domestic life. In is housewifery to which nearly all the arts and sciences bring their secrets. Home and comfort, food and drink — it will be a long time before we can get quite away from the need of these things. To introduce science and order into the domestic 4 this there is nothing degrading. For, after all, it