The Perrybingle Papers.

Cromwell Argus, Volume III, Issue 128, 23 April 1872, Page 6

The Perrybingle Papers.

What arc the limits of Friskiness in matrons ? I'm not alluding to anybody in particular ; but the question's often asked,— "Is it right for a full-blown matron to Iji frisking at all; and if it's right why does tl» world ' make remarks' 1" Mayhap the worlS doesn't " make remarks" because it's right but because it's wrong : and here comes in another question,—"Why is it wrong!'' Natural feeling says it is ; and natural instinct says it is ; natural pride says it is; and natural indignation says it is. As a rule; the working man's wife isn't frisky! Why i It's because the working man's natural pride «s a man makes him feel that if his mate goes a skylarking about with young sparks, it isn't to his credit to let her ! That's the secret. At the play, on the racecourse, or elsewhere, Mrs Chips, the carpenter's wife, or Mrs Bluestone, the mason's, are not to be seen gallivanting' about with a parcel of lob-lolly-boys, or simpering at the chair of slicking carpenters and stonemasons. Why I Because Mister Chips is about, and Bluestone is at hand to see fairplay, and to keep his good name sweet and wholesome. It's a part of his property that Chips—honest man—cant afford to lose ; and according to his Way of thinking, when his wife fancies a young man at play, and begins to frisk, it's high time for him to shepherd her if lie thinks slie's only a fool; and to treat her as he would a she-wolf if he thinks she's a rogue. The limits of friskiness, and the limits of roguery, overlay one another : mark that. Chalk the sentiment up behind the cupboard door, and take it into your system with your bread and cheese. It'll be good for you to understand it, and explain it to your wives and grownup daughters. As for your sons, if they lake to mooning after married women, the sooner the husbands kick 'em the better for all parI ties.