GENERALSHIP.

Bruce Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 1753, 28 May 1886, Page 6

GENERALSHIP.

In illustration of what is known as "^generalship," I came across rather a good story the other day. Mrs A. and Mrs B. were taking tea with some friends, when the subject of the management of husbands happened to come up. Each of these two ladies boasted tbat she could make her husband do exactly what she liked. A spinster who was present was sceptical, a hot argument ensued, and finally to convince the unbelieving Miss C. it was agreed that each wife should prove her power by making her husband drive her on a particular afternoon in a hired carriage to an appointed place. The test was considered a good one, because both husbands were economically inclined, and in the ordinary course of events would never think of hiring a carriage, or driving anywhere except in an omnibus to their places of business. Mrs A. was a strongminded, determined woman, and her husband was weakness peasonified ; no one doubted, therefore, that Mrs A. could get what she wanted. But Mr B. was an argumentative, contradictory, wilful and pugnacious individual, while Mrs B. waa only a sweet little creature ; and it was in this case that Miss C. was doubtful. However, the day and hour arrived, the sceptical spinster repaired to the place appointed, and up drove the two couples. ** How did you manage it ?" said Miss C. " Oh," said Mrs A., " I simply said to my husband. " Mr A., I wish you to drive me to !' He said, " Very well my dear, but I ! and here I am,' " " And how did you manage it Mrs B?" Mrs B. was unwilling to confess, but at length she was induced to do so. " I said to my husband, '• I think Mr and Mrs A. are very extravagant ; they are going to hire a carriage and pair to-morrow and drive to .' • Why should they not do so if they like it ?' said Mr B. * Oh, no reason at all, my dear, if you think it right, and if they can afford it ; but we could not do anything of that kind, of course. Besides, I fancy Mr A is more accustomed to driving than you are.' 'A. is not at all more accustomed to it than I am,' said Mr B , ' and 1 can afford it quite as well as he. Indeed I wili prove that I can and will, for I will hire a carriage and drive there at the same time.' ' Very well, my dear, if you think so ; but I should not like to go with you, I should feel so ashamed.' ' Then 1 wish you to go with me, Mrs B. ; I insist upon your accompanying me.' So," said quiet little Mrs 8., "tbat is the way 1 manage Mr B."