THE "SPECIMEN DAY" OF A PARSON'S WIFE [To the Editor
of the SPECTATOR.]
Sin,—I have read the " Specimen Day of a Parson's Wife in your issue of February 27th. Perhaps you would consider the letter of another parson's wife equally interesting.
There is no vicarage; biit we have a house containing ten rooms, for which we hive to pay a rent of Ili() a year, rates at £24. I have three children who are taught by a governess, for whom I have to pay, as she only 'attends from 9.30-12 o'clock. I cannot say whether she would consider the food good. I have one young maid, no gardener, and I do all the gardening myself. At eight I get up. After breakfast I tidy the dining-room for lessons, make the pudding, send orders for supplies and wash clothes. Twice a week I give, a French lesson, and at twelve every day I take the three children for a walk. About once a fortnight I go to town, for shopping. Having no horse I proceed by bus, which is a quarter of an hour's walk away. I do not get back much before tea-time. After lunch I rest for half an hour, and then do gardening, ironing or needlework. As I only send 'a few things to the laundry it does not take me more than two or three minutes to sort and book the clothes. As I have a husband he visits in the parish. Every evening I bath the children and put them to bed. I have never had a nurse and frequently have been without a servant. Two afternoons and three evenings of the week my maid is out and it falls to me to perform her duties.
The income of my husband's benefice is 1360 per annum. If there were any money over we should have a holiday, if not we should not. We very seldom have any amusements, but he has his pipe when he wants it, and we have a newspaper and the Spectator. My children and I have sweets all the year round after lunch. - My husband being the Vicar, interviews the people who come to the house on parish business. But what I want to know is—is my letter drivel, or is it not ?- I am, Sir, &e., ANOTHER PARSON'S WIFE.
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