332 Mrs. and Mr. Jackson. [June, 



their own enlightened practice and ^^ scientific lore" as the ele- 

 ments of success, and possessing the mental tact to discriminate 

 for themselves between " proper direction," and pedantic empiri- 

 cism. 



MRS. AND MR. JACKSON. 



Mrs. Jackson was the daughter of Squire Thorn, who, in his 

 day, was the great man of the village. Some expressed wonder 

 that she married Mr. Jackson, since his body was not constructed 

 according to any known rule of proportion, and his spirit was not 

 calculated to endanger the river by combustion: in other words, 

 he was an uncouth, awkw^ard, good natured, easy, simple soul, 

 that never did any harm. Some have insinuated that it was a 

 hasty and ill considered match. But as she was at the age when 

 the judgment has attained its full maturity, this insinuation must 

 have been without foundation; there were doubtless good and 

 sufficient reasons why she should marry Mr. Jackson. It was un- 

 derstood that she had the sole management of the affair, as she 

 had of all other matters after the affair. Indeed she was com- 

 monly regarded and treated as the man of the house. 



" Mrs. Jackson, I want to borrow your plow," was not an in- 

 frequent mode of address, even when Mr. Jackson was present. 

 If she was disposed to grant the favor, the answer was direct — if 

 not so disposed, there was an obedient reference to Mr. Jackson. 

 For example: " Mrs. Jackson, I have called to see what you will 

 give towards building a school-house." The answer would be, 

 " I cannot tell what Mr. Jackson would give — he can speak for 

 himself I reckon." Mr. Jackson on such occasions showed that 

 his ideas of liberty of speech were analagous to the Dutch Jus- 

 tice's idea of liberty of thought. " Certainly, every man has a 

 right to tink for himself, provided he link wid de court." 



Mrs. Jackson was an economical person, and like many of her 

 country women, adroitly managed to reconcile her love of saying 

 with her love of show. Economy said, " Set a frugal table," and 

 its suggestion was obeyed. When company came. Show said, 

 " Set a rich table," and it was obeyed. Now many persons in 

 their simplicity, suppose that when food is placed on the table, it 

 is placed there to be eaten. Mr. Jackson fell into this very com- 

 mon error, but was speedily better informed by his wife. Subse- 

 quently he was observed to take but one piece of cake, and that 

 irom the cheapest plate; and if at any time he appropriated some 

 of better (jiiality, an adroit shake of the head, and peculiar ex- 

 pression of the eye, on the part of Mrs. J., would lead him to drop 



