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Show 43 The high regard in which she holds her husband will serve as catalyst in her noblest undertakings; and Milford's approval or disapproval will sweep her to the heights or drag her to the depths of emotion. A few months of study with Anthon Lund in Mt. Pleasant, plus one winter's tutoring under Karl G. Maeser, along with Brigham Young's daughters, is the only formal preparation Ellis received for her assignment as teacher in the ward school. She regarded this teaching post as a benison in helping to sustain the family during Milford's absence. How could a mother of two small boys spend long days in the school room? The answer is not stated but can be inferred from the role specialization afforded women in plural marriage. Maggie Curtis, the second wife (and at that time the only other one) must have taken care of the children. The two wives shared one domicile. Ellis's diary only rarely alludes to this fact and, except for an occasional mention of Maggie, the reader might assume that Ellis was the only one preparing for Milford's return. However, this is Ellis's story, and Ellis is feeling somewhat overburdened and perhaps showing it. Is a small domestic crisis implied when on June 5 she exclaims, "How hard it is to always do right!...Oh, Father, forgive me if I have done wrong...Oh, if Milford were here to advise me..." but Milford j_s coming in only a few weeks, at which time she is confident that her heart "will be light and full of perfect joy." On June 6th and 7th we see something of her activity in the church. |