Thou Shalt Not Wash Dishes

"THOU SHALT NOT WASH DISHES" By Mary H. Woolsey i The last lingering colors of the sunset faded into gray dusk, and the west-bound train thundered on its way between two grotesque, shapeless, unreal stretches of fleeting landscape. Theodora Stanton — Mrs. Evert Stanton for three long, bliss- fully happy days — leaned back in her seat in the Pullman and closed tired eyes. Her slim, white hands lay clasped in her lap; over them, presently, a big, hardened, bronzed one crept and closed tenderly. "Tired, Theo darling?" Smilingly, the girl met her husband's solicitous gaze and shook her head. "No, not tired, dear, but a little weary from trying to comprehend all the new, strange, wonderful things I've been looking at." "And I seem to be seeing differently; I've grown up among scenes like this, and never before have I wanted to shout 'beautiful!' ' Evert said. She moved a little closer to him, and for a moment they sat silent in awed delight and tender wonder, which they felt whenever trying to realize that they really and truly belonged to each other. "From the ends of the earth" — Evert had said once, "we came together!" And indeed, so it almost seemed. Evert Stanton, ranchman, born and reared in the wide open spaces of the West; his bride, daughter of an aristocratic New England family, accustomed to elm-shaded avenues — and a life of sheltered ease. As twilight deepened, they fell quite naturally to talking over the events leading to their meeting, when they had looked into each other's eyes with a thrill of recognition, as if each one realized that all of life until now had been only a vague search for the other. A search planned and watched over by a friendly, teasing, maneuvering fate. One year before, Theo Walcott's brother, David, had taken a sudden notion to discover and explore the golden West from behind the steering-wheel of a new Eagle roadster, which he insisted was entirely worthy of its name. The discovery was effected, the explora- tion was well under way. Then rose a Summer thunder-storm which developed into a cloudburst; roads were torn out, bridges undermined — and one of these brought about the wrecking of the proud Eagle and its driver, within a mile or so of the Stanton ranch house. In con- sequence, Evert became the inevitable host to a badly injured tourist, and a fast friendship sprang up between the two. David refused to inform his family of his mishaps, telling them only that he was stopping awhile at a wonderful ranch; and when he started for home, insisted

THOU SHALT NOT WASH DISHES 1055 that Evert accompany him. Evert came East — and found Theo; went home to prepare a place for her, and returned to claim her as his bride. And now they were speeding westward to their new life together. "One more day of this, and fifty miles by auto, and we'll be at home, little wife!" murmured Evert contentedly. "Home!" echoed Theo, repeating the simple word that can hold in its four letters all the beauty, the charm, the wonder of the world. "Tell me about it again, Evert dearest — the ranch, and — and our little house — and everything!" "So, bending his fine, dark head nearer to her golden one, that she might more easily hear, he began talking in low tones, telling of sage-clad hills and valleys that were rapidly being transformed into fertile fields of green; of winding creeks fringed with swaying willows and rampant wild roses and other smaller wild-flower treasures that hid in the low, cool shade. "Little wild cousins they are, Theo, of the flowers that grew in your beautiful garden at home. And of the ones that will soon.be nodding right at our door, too." "Of course," she agreed, "it will be such fun to start a brand- new garden, won't it? But in the meantime, we'll take long walks and gather the wild flowers." "So we will. And when I ride after the cattle, sometimes, you shall go with me." "How fortunate that I like to ride!" He went on with his descriptions, presently mentioning the gray coyotes that howled in the nights. She shuddered in mock terror, then giggled. "I shall use some of them as targets, to keep up my rifle practice. Evert, I've always loved the outdoors so! And now, I just know that I've always been getting ready to come out into this wonderful West with you!" Again they smiled fondly at each other, considering the miracle which had befallen them. Then: "And now tell me again about the little house — our house!" Evert's face glowed with pardonable pride as he complied. The little house! Over it he had dreamed and planned as he toiled; into it had gone many an "extra" that to his neighbors seemed pure ex- travagance, yet which he considered absolutely necessary to a girl like Theo; conveniences which few of the ranch homes boasted; running water, piped from a nearby hillside spring; a bathroom with fixtures of snowy white and polished nickel; low, wide windows, floors of hardwood, French doors to add their b't of beauty. Oh, the little house was a gem — a gem set down on the edge of the desert, calculated to be fairly worthy of the Paradise that v/culd grow up around it. Built near the creek, its windows looked out upon the graceful willows and the wild roses which would be at their best these June days — befitting the coming of a bride. Over it, guarding and shading it from the heat of the sun, stood three giant locust trees, most fortunate

1056 IMPROVEMENT ERA result of some unknown planter's toil — perhaps birds had dropped the seeds there, long ago — no one knew. "But it was in preparation for our coming!" Theo exulted. "Even before we ever dreamed of each other, Evert dearest, Fate was planning these beautiful things for us! And I shall keep the little house shining and clean, and cook nice little dinners for two; and I shall — " she laughed softly, "I shall wash dishes and maybe feed the swine, yet still sit on a cushion and sew a fine seam.' Evert's smile suddenly gave way to an expression of curiosity. "What was it about that old rhyme, Theo? I never did under- stand just why you were called 'Curly-locks' so often — except that it had something to do with that — what's-his-name, now?" "Milton Redford?" "Yes, Redford. Who is he, anyway?" "Oh, just a friend, a childhood sweetheart, you might say," Theo answered, smiling. "Were you ever engaged to him?" "Why, no; not really. Of course, it was the hope of Mother and Mrs. Redford that some day Milton and I might. But we our- selves never even talked of it. * * * The old rhyme about the dishes- — -he used to say it to me when we were small, and the families got to calling' me 'Curly-locks' — and that's all there is to it." "I think," Evert mused whimsically, "at that, I'm a little bit jealous of him, for having known you longer than I have! Oh, Theo, darling! I do hope you'll be happy, out here with me! I wonder, sometimes — about the — well, the washing dishes, and all the rest of it that you've never had to do — " "And don't know anything about? Oh, Evert, dearest! you remind me of Cousin Gerty — please don't doubt that I can soon learn! Why, house-keeping is easy! It must be, because — well, look at all the thousands and thousands of women and girls who do it! If they can, I can. That's what I told Gerty, and you'll soon see!" "Of course, you can learn! You could learn — anything, I do believe, Theo! All I hope is that you won't dislike it." "I shall love it!" Theo insisted. "Why, it's really interesting, especially the cooking. I've watched our Maggie lots of times lately. If there'd been time, I'd have learned from her some things to start out — but there's been such a rush of parties and everything, and the dressmakers took so much of my time, and I've worked on my trousseau a lot. Really, the other things just had to wait. But don't you worry, I'll learn to do by doing, didn't someone say that's the best way after all? I can hardly wait to make a huge success and write to tell Cousin Gerty all about it. She was so concerned, Evert! I have to laugh! Let's see — what shall I cook for our first dinner?" Like a pair of children taking up a new game, they fell to planning. Roseate dreams enveloped them, enraptured them. The old rhyme, with its promise of ease, was forgotten.

THOU SHALT NOT WASH DISHES 105 7 The year was at November, the hour was dusk. Gray sky hung over graying landscape, gray shadows deepened with the passing of the moments. A dreary wind moaned among the willows and tossed the gaunt branches of the locust trees above the low-gabled cottage to which Evert Stanton was returning after his day of toil on the ranch. Evert's steps were both eager and laggard — eager, because he was always eager to get back to Theo; yet laggard because he dreaded to find her, as so often he did, pathetically weary, discouraged, worn out — the victim of her own incompetence. For the "easy" housework which she had so blithely anticipated a few months earlier, had proved anything but what she had expected. It had been easy to laugh, at first, at the ludicrous results of her hopeful labors; but as the weeks passed, and she continued to learn how so many details had a way of escaping her inexperienced eye until a most inconvenient or embarrassing time, how so many errors could creep into the work and upset her plans completely. As the unac- customed duties and responsibilities took their inevitable toll of her vigor and enthusiasm, Theo grew tired and dispirited, having no time nor energy for the tramps and rides which she and Evert had planned so light-heartedly. Then for awhile they had employed a woman to help Theo; but she had had a sharp and willing tongue, and presently there were spread abroad most unkind tales of Evert's "baby-doll" wife, who knew not how to cook, nor clean, who must have captivated him by her very helplessness. The stories reached Theo's own ears, and she felt that her heart would break with the shame of failure; there seemed nothing to do except to dismiss the hired woman and set out in another heroic effort to carry her burden alone. Evert watched over her and worried, blaming himself for her drooping shoulders, her bruised and roughened hands which had for- merly been so lovely, her eyes that seemed so tired and heavy-lidded — he knew that close behind those eyelids were tears, and the knowledge hurt him so cruelly. He had been selfish in his love; why had he not foreseen that Theo, delicately nurtured as she had been, could not stand so rigorous a life as his? Self-condemnation made him miserable, and so did his fear that Theo would detect his unhappiness and mis- interpret it. i And Theo's brave attempts at gayety and optimism did not help. Theo and Evert, each trying to keep a light heart, sensed the effort behind the other's laughter and joking, and the knowledge produced an intangible barrier between them, of which each was aware though neither dared quite to admit it even secretly. * * * The traditional "honeymoon" not yet past — and such was the state of affairs within the little cottage which was to have been a corner of Paradise! Supper that November evening was a dreary repetition of other dreary ones. Theo had that day suffered a painful burn while taking

1058 IMPROVEMENT ERA a pan of bread from the oven; the bread had turned out poorly, she had had ironing to do, and her feet and back ached from standing so long; her golden hair was in disarray, her face flushed and unpowdered, her dress had somehow acquired a greasy, black smudge — of all this she was acutely aware, yet too tired to care until she realized that Evert was sympathizing with her because of her troubles. She had his sympathy — when what she wanted was is pride, his) pride in "her accomplishments, her efficiency, as she had dreamed of them! Both were glad when the meal was over. Evert helped with the dishwashing, then lighted a fire in the grate in the living-room while Theo wearily finished the tidying of the kitchen. At last they were both settled beside the cheerful fire, and the mail which Evert had brought claimed their attention. Presently Theo uttered an eager cry — "Oh, Evert!" His quick glance noted a sudden brightness in her eyes, an im- pulsive smile on her lips. "Evert, Mercedes Tolman is going to be married the first of December, and she .want's to know if I can come back to be her matron of honor. Do you suppose — ?" Evert remembered Mercedes, Theo's girlhood chum and maid of honor at her wedding. "We always planned it so," Theo went on more wistfully, "that we ,would each be attendant to the other. But, of course, we never dreamed of ever being so far separated." Evert's thoughts ran ahead swiftly. He knew that Theo could not be blamed if she longed, now and then, for a bit of the gayety and brilliance to which she had been accustomed before her marriage. Then, too, these five months had been her very first long absence from her parents, who were extremely fond of her. A visit home, a few weeks of parties, dances, and she would come back rested and refreshed. The long winter would be partly gone. * * * "It's a long trip, dear — but if you care to take it, do. I, wish I could go along; that's impossible just now. I shouldn't wonder if you really need a change." But his tender solicitude went un- noticed, for Theo's thoughts were far away, winged Eastward in glad anticipation. "I'll have to leave soon — but that will be easy, because I can shop for the things I need after I'm home. * * * I really am a little bit homesick for Mother and Father- — don't blame me too much, Evert, dearest," her voice trembled slightly though she smiled bravely at him. "Why, of course you'd be homesick, little girl! Nothing more natural, and the visit is just what you need. * * * Let's see — 1 can take you to the Junction on Saturday; how's that?" "Fine. * * * But Evert, dear, I — I — don't know whether I really want to go! If you could come, too!" suddenly she Was crying, and he was holding her in his arms, petting and soothing her as one might pet and soothe a tired child. Of course, she should

THOU SHALT NOT WASH DISHES 1059 go, and she could do a lot of Christmas shopping, while she was away, and they'd have a wonderful Christmas together. But all the while, his heart was as lead within him. Saturday was the grayest of gray days — to Evert's grim satisfaction, for sunshine would have seemed to him a mockery on that occasion. Theo, apparently, was oblivious to the weather. Evert helped her onto the train, kissed her goodbye, and stood dejectedly on the plat- form until the train was far out of sight beyond a somber hill, and only a plume of black smoke, rising to mingle with the darkening clouds, indicated the widening distance between him and his light-of- all-the-world. And presently a mist obscured that also; and Evert started homeward through the first thinly falling snowflakes of the storm which had threatened. A week later, the valley lay gleaming beneath a five-foot burden of snow, helpless in the grip of what was to prove the most severe winter ever known in that locality. Storms were frequent, icy winds seemed almost incessant; the roads were cleared only to be blocked again by huge drifts, and necessary journeys were made laboriously by horseback or sometimes even by foot, on snowshoes. Evert, read- ing Theo's first belated letters, was thankful that she was escaping the dreary monotony of this winter imprisonment, even though her absence made him feel it far more keenly himself. Theo wrote glowingly of the whirl of activities into which she had flung herself soon after arriving at her parent's home. She sent photographs of herself in her lovely new clothes. She wished that Evert were with her — but he could not help sensing the fact that she was enjoying herself to the utmost, and that did not make him happier. He could not help feeling that in marrying Theo, he had asked her to renounce a life that was all ease and loveliness and share with him one that was mostly toil and sacrifice. He had expected too much; what could he do about it? The Christmas plans, of course, had to be given up; Evert wrote Theo that she would better remain in the East until Spring. He had closed up the little cottage — it lay silent and still, half buried 'in shifting snowbanks — and he was staying at the ranch house. He considered going himself to Theo, but decided that he was too urgently needed where he was. So the weeks dragged on, empty and lonely and blue. After Christmas, Theo's letters grew more brief, and somewhat less frequent. Only occasionally did she write in detail of her ''good times;" instead, there was likely to be a group of newspaper clippings regarding various social functions, and the letter itself would impress him as being sketchy and evasive. His misery grew. Once there was mention of a cotillion which she had attended, having "drawn" Milton Redford as her partner. It had seemed "like old times," she wrote. "Evert, our little house, and the housework that I bungled so hopelessly, seems all a dream." After reading that, Evert threw himself face downward on his

1060 IMPROVEMENT ERA bed and gave himself over to the gloomiest of gloomy musings. Over and over, through his brain ran an old nursery-rhyme that seemed to mock and taunt him: "Curly-locks, wilt thou be mine? Thou shalt not wash dishes nor yet feed the swine, But sit on a cushion and sew a fine seam — " "Sit on a cushion and sew a fine seam" — the only toil, prob- ably, that would have been Theo's if she had married — Milton Redford. Then she would have gone on with the life for which she had been prepared. Evert tried to face the issue squarely. Theo had not, recently, renewed the subject of her return to him. Could it be that she did not want to come back? That perhaps she dreaded returning? And if that should be the case — wouldn't it be the kindly part to release her? Divorce — ugly as it must be — would be soon over with — and Theo would escape so much unloveliness! He, loving her forever, could find solace in knowing that she was happy, that she was not wearing her youth, her beauty, away in hard, physical toil. Day after endless day, Evert wrestled with his problem. And at last he decided to write Theo that if she so desired, he would restore to her all that he could of "freedom." Of course, he did not put it so plainly, so crudely, as just that. He toiled for hours over the letter, in his efforts to be kind and con- siderate; to make her feel that it was not her failures as a rancher's wife, but his realization that ranch life was too hard for her, that led him to suggest their separation. At last it was done, to the best of his ability — but he did not know that every stilted, unnatural line in it was crying out his pain at the thought of losing her, his heart-ache that he was trying to ignore. The letter went on its way. Everet counted the days until he could expect Theo's answer. Twelve days, at least. Allowing her a few days to consider and decide — two weeks, perhaps sixteen or eighteen days. How large the dreary, wintry world was! Winter — cruel, cold, cheerless. In his heart it would be always Winter, without Theo near him. And he convinced himself that she would not return to him; the conviction held him, it seemed, in bonds of ice — as Winter held the creek in its glistening prison. Then suddenly the weather changed. April was at hand. The sun shone warmly. In a few short days the whole landscape changed; never had Spring come so swiftly — but Evert Stanton seemed un- conscious of the change, going about his work mechanically, speaking only when necessary, seeing nothing of the budding beauties around him. Then one day as he rode moodily through the stretch of wood- land between the ranch house and the cottage of dreams, one of his employees hailed him and thrust toward him a yellow envelope. It seemed an eternity before his shaking hand drew forth the paper it held

THOU SHALT NOT WASH DISHES 1061 — another one before the letter ceased to dance crazily in front of his eyes. Then at last — the message: "Meet me at Junction, Wednesday the nineteenth. Theo." Evert read it, unbelievingly, over and over. It seemed as if his eyes must be deceiving him; but no — the words stood out more and more clearly. No — he had received Theo's answer — and she was coming back! Suddenly Evert lifted up his eyes, and saw that golden sunshine was streaming through the branches of the trees above his head; that patches of saphire sky showed between leaves amazingly large and green, and that a couple of bright-eyed robins were swinging im- pudently near by. A laugh, which was half a' sob of joy, broke from him and he snatched off his hat, raising both his arms as he drew in a deep, deep breath of sweet, soft air. "Sing, darn you! Sing!" he said to the robins. "Don't you know it's Springtime?" Then he gathered up the bridle-reins which had fallen unheeded across his horse's neck, and ,set off at a gallop for the little housie beneath the locust trees. The cottage of dreams! Doorsi and windows he threw open wide; found dustcloth and broom and mop; shook rugs, hung blankets and linens to air and sun — oh, Theo was coming, and the little house must be rid of its atmosphere of emptiness and disuse! Theo was coming — tomorrow! He worked with joyously frantic haste. And as he worked, thoughts rushed madly through his brain. Theo's answer — was to be her return. And with her would come the sunshine and the joy and the beauty of living — to him. She had chosen, because of her love for him, to return to the drab, lonely, work-crowded days which would take heavy toll of her youth and loveliness. She would leave behind her the pleasant leisure and hours of pleasure which were rightfully hers. Because she loved him — how she must love him! And he — how he thought for an instant that he could live without her? Why, he had been mad! It would have been living death, a deadly existence, without Theo! Oh, he had offered her her "fre- dom" so generously, and yet deep in his heart there had been — there must have been, the confidence that she would return. Otherwise he could not have gone on living — or could he? Yes, Theo loved him. There was no doubt of it, not an atom of doubt — in view of her sacrifice. It was wonderful to feel that Theo loved him so! But — and Evert stood silent with the shock of realization — did he love her less, that he would accept her sacrifice? No! Strange tharhe had not thought of it before: why should Theo be the one to give up her happy lot? He could sell his share in the ranch, and with the proceeds establish himself in some business in the East, near Theo's old home. Of course, how simple was the solution, after all! And he

1062 IMPROVEMENT ERA would not mind the giving up of his free, outdoor life, because it would be for Theo, who was truly the light of his life. They entered the cottage together, that Thursday mid-afternoon, as jubilantly as on that other occasion nearly a year before. Theo was just as radiantly eager, Evert as adoringly tender, as then. And besides, Theo seemed to have acquired a quaint, pretty air of pro- prietorship, as she moved to and fro about the rooms, deftly plumping a cushion here, straightening a cover there, praising Evert for his thoughtfulness in arranging the "homey things" before her arrival. But Evert, watching her and trying to formulate the best way of telling her his latest plans, was conscious only of his own sense of calm and content. It seemed entirely out of place that their first afternoon at home must be interrupted; but so it had to be. One of the men came over from the ranch, bringing word that a valuable mare had been injured; Evert, who was a veterinary of sorts, was needed. Theo showed a little disappointment at being so soon left alone at the cottage. "Oh, the poor thing! Hurry, Evert, deaxest!" she exclaimed at once. And as he was leaving: "I'll have dinner ready when you get back, Evert. And do bring me a bunch of those lovely iris when you come, that's a dear!" Lovely sunset light filled the rooms of the cottage when Evert returned. He had not forgotten the delicate purple and lavender blossoms which Theo had requested, but he stared in amazement as she smilingly took them from him and arranged them in a bowl which presently she placed in the center of the table. She had changed her traveling-dress for one of some linen-like fabric, in hue very similar to the flowers he had brought, and to Theo the colojf was intensely becoming. Of course, Evert always found Theo a feast for his eyes; but tonight there was something new in her manner which added to her charming appearance. A deftness, a capability, a sureness of move- ment— he had not time to puzzle over it nor even to speak of it for Theo was chatting gaily and putting the supper on the table, and so on and on, keeping every moment occupied. But no amount of such occupation could prevent Evert from realizing that he was eating an excellent meal, excellently prepared. He felt bewildered. He wanted to exclaim to her — yet still Theo kept up her gay talk of plans for the future, of the visit which her parents and brother intended to make with her and Evert this Summer. Twilight. A tiny fire in the grate. Dishes neatly put away, quickly as never before — kitchen in order — husband and wife, with a sense of priceless leisure and nearness to each other, seated close together on the davenport, at length lapsing into contented silence. At last Evert could ask: "Theo, dear, there's something I've noticed tonight — something new about you — you seem so sure of yourself; you got

THOU SHALT NOT WASH DISHES 1063 the dinner so quickly, and — and — everything seemed so easy for you — " She laughed softly, merrily. "Everything is easy, now, Evert," she said. "I've come back to you with household efficiency at my fingertips — I can do as I dreamed of doing, long ago. * * * I'll never again be the dismal failure I began to be, last Autumn — oh, Evert! I wasn't going to tell you for awhile yet — but I can't keep it to myself: what do you think I've been doing all the time I was away from you?" "Why — I thought — " stammered Evert. "I intended you to think so — that I was just having a good time all the time! Dearest, how I deceived you!" Theo mocked tenderly. "But what else — ?" he puzzled. She grew more serious. "Do you remember Cousin Gerty — and her fear for my housekeeping, which I laughed at? Well, I found that Cousin Gerty was right — I had a hard lesson to learn if I was to learn to 'do by doing,' all by myself. So while I've been away, I've spent much of my time — since New Years, most of it — with Cousin Gerty, learning to 'do by doing' under her excellent supervision! Oh, I've learned and learned — I worked hard, because I couldn't bear to fail you!" "Theo, dear!" he held her close. "And I've wondered how I could go on living, without you — I thought you would choose — the way out — " "As if I could! Evert — when we both know that we two were made just for each other!" "I know, sweetheart," he answered. "But there's another way, too — I was too stupid to see it at first — but after all, .we needn't remain here where the work is so hard for you — it's a sacrifice you need not make. We'll sell out — go East — I'll go into business, and your life will be as it has been and should be." "Evert!" Theo sat upright. "Never, never! Don't think of such a thing — oh, truly, dear, I'd never choose to go back — not to remain!" "But why?" "Oh, because I've learned too much this last Winter. I never knew before, Evert — but I do now — the narrowness of that life; the petty jealousies, the snobberies, the ungilded side of the gilded existence. Oh, out here it's so much finer, truer, bigger! — and now that I've learned, as much as I have learned, how to do my work instead of .letting it 'do' me — why, I wouldn't choose to go back, if' I were tc be the leader of all the society leaders in the world!" Evert could think of nothing adequate to say. But his eyes must have spoken sufficiently well, for Theo seemed quite content to cuddle against him and lose herself in dreams. Presently she giggled and looked up ,at him again. "How I did fool you, with those old clippings!" she exulted. "I knew you'd never dream that I sent them because they told of affairs I couldn't describe, not having been present — "

1064 IMPROVEMENT ERA "Little wretch!" he accused her. "Think of all I've suffered — but I'll never suffer so again, my darling! Only — " he concluded whimsically — "I'm afraid I'll always be somewhat upset when I hear that old rhyme — sort of guilty, you know — " "What rhyme?" Theo wondered. "Why, the one about 'Thou shalt not wash dishes — " "Forget it!" she commanded. "Because you must know, dear — that dish washing, undertaken in the right spirit and with the right system, becomes a part of one of the world's finest arts!" Salt Lake City. "Looking For Soft Snaps" If you are looking for snaps, In the game of life, If it's soft, dreamy ease that you crave, Just keep this in mind, As you drift along, You'll not find it, this side of the grave. Every soul that the good Lord Has sent down here, From the realms on the other side, Is expected to get out, And lift on the load. And forget — that it's easier to ride. The greatest curse, or torment That could come to you, As you travel along life's highway, Would be ease and comfort, With no work to do, From morning, until close of day. So get in and hustle. And do your part. Don't always be stealing a ride; Better pull on the oars, And head up stream, And not simply drift, with the tide. Moab, Utah. F. M. SHAFER.