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Transcriber's Note: Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note. Irregularities and inconsistencies in the text have been retained as printed. Words printed in italics are noted with underscores: _italics_. The cover of this ebook was created by the transcriber and is hereby placed in the public domain.
_Shall the home be our world ... or the world our home?_
Copyrighted 1903 Republished, November, 1910 by THE CHARLTON CO.
Printed by The Co-Operative Press, New York City
To every Man who maintains a Home-- To every Woman who "keeps house"-- To every House-Servant, owned, hired, or married-- To every Boy and Girl who lives at Home-- To every Baby who is born and reared at Home-- In the hope of better homes for all this book is dedicated.
V. THE HOME AS A WORKSHOP. I. THE HOUSEWIFE, 82
VI. THE HOME AS A WORKSHOP. II. THE HOUSEMAID, 104
_I hear a deep voice through uneasy dreaming, A deep, soft, tender, soul-beguiling voice; A lulling voice that bids the dreams remain, That calms my restlessness and dulls my pain, That thrills and fills and holds me till in seeming There is no other sound on earth--no choice._
_"Home!" says the deep voice, "Home!" and softly singing Brings me a sense of safety unsurpassed; So old! so old! The piles above the wave-- The shelter of the stone-blocked, shadowy cave-- Security of sun-kissed treetops swinging-- Safety and Home at last!_
_"Home" says the sweet voice, and warm Comfort rises, Holding my soul with velvet-fingered hands; Comfort of leafy lair and lapping fur, Soft couches, cushions, curtains, and the stir Of easy pleasures that the body prizes, Of soft, swift feet to serve the least commands._
_I shrink--half rise--and then it murmurs "Duty!" Again the past rolls out--a scroll unfurled; Allegiance and long labor due my lord-- Allegiance in an idleness abhorred-- I am the squaw--the slave--the harem beauty-- I serve and serve, the handmaid of the world._
_My soul rebels--but hark! a new note thrilling, Deep, deep, past finding--I protest no more; The voice says "Love!" and all those ages dim Stand glorified and justified in him; I bow--I kneel--the woman soul is willing-- "Love is the law. Be still! Obey! Adore!"_