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Now, if she would be finer than the rest of her neighbours 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 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 can 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 rebound to his reputation; nay, suppose she has a mind for a silver 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, sluch things set out a room, and make the kitchen, if the house be kept
