OCR Text |
Show 98 For two weeks my intellectual advancement has been my aim; my time is all employed in study and teaching my boys; four o'clock finds me with my books, every morning. With assiduous effort, and the blessing of my Heavenly Father, I surely can accomplish what I desire. My hope, my object is to do good-and for this purpose do I seek to gain knowledge, that my influence may ever be felt as ennobling in its tendency, that I may bless my precious boys.12 Many of Milford's comings and goings are associated with business. They should not be construed as for pleasure alone. January 30th 1874 Milford very unexpectedly returned and my joy was as great as my surprise. He has been wonderfully prospered in business affairs and returned for more models. I feel so thankful for he has labored hard and sacrificed the comforts of home that he might bless his family with more of the comforts of life. And oh, I hope for his dear sake he may be successful. Would that I had strength to assist him.13 The "models" are dressmaking templates which through mathematical adjustments can be adapted to individual needs. They will figure prominently in Ellis's life three years hence, and Lizzie will also use them to help produce needed dollars. Ellis is now attempting some of her own housework, though she tires easily. A day with her sister is not very rejuvenating because "there were no less than a dozen children there, and the noise and confusion were very trying." "Children are treasures," she observes, "but they must needs have room." This visit extends through two days and a night and brings Anna home with Ellis to spend a night. Visiting was a prominent activity of the nineteenth century woman, not only in Mormon culture but throughout the nation. In today's parlance it would be considered "networking," for it |