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Now, if she would be finer than the rest of her neighbour's, it is the husband's reputation, and that must give him pleasure. Good housewifery and right management make things last long. It is indeed the honor of men to see cleanliness, nor do they love holes in their stocking heels, nor that their ruffles should hang like bell ropes: and yet they scorn to set the least stitch in them themselves. So, therefore to have a wife that will take care to have every thing done for him, must needs be a pleasure to him: and what if sometimes she wants a Venetian carpet, or a little china ware, surely no man in his wits would quarrel with his wife about such trifles, when all should redound to his reputation: nay suppose she has a mind for a filter coffee or teapot, or a pair of silver sconces, where is the harm of it? Certainly, the more plate a man has, the richer he is: this ought therefore to be a pleasure to him. And I can assure you, of my own knowledge, there are several husbands would be glad their wives had such things. Besides such things set out a room, and make the kitchen, if the house be kept
