204 A FASHIONABLE LADy's DAY. 



merit of popular taste, and the advancement of the rational nature 

 of the million, all sink into insignificance, and are regarded as 

 nothing; and this to discuss the superiority of the "Disowned," 

 over " Tremordyn Cliff," or to expiate on the respective merits 

 of "Warren's Milk of Roses," or the " Asiatic Depilatory." 



There is not however much time to devote to colloquial inter- 

 course, as dancing generally occupies a considerable portion of 

 the night; but, what are its accompany ments? — a heated room, 

 an unwholesome atmosphere, stiffness and formality of dress and 

 deportment, sans ease, sans grace. Would it not afford more 

 real and genuine pleasure if the scene of action were a green 

 meadow, and the decorations employed the sweet-smelling rose 

 and the delicate violet, instead of the ruby and the emerald ? 



Here may be seen scandal and deceit, under the garb of friend- 

 ship and amiability — here stalks the demon of heartlessness with 

 his satellites — vanity, falsehood, and dress ! 



Thus do they pass many hours, till, at length, thoroughly 

 sated, or warned by Aurora, they desist, and retire to their 

 several dormitories, where much unnecessary toil still awaits 

 them, or rather the unfortunate slave that attends them, whom 

 it is their delight to tantalize and annoy. 



After this last labour, they attain the couch, which is their 

 nocturnal (we should say) diurnal habitation, and too often from 

 their continual excesses and imprudence, is that delightful and 

 healthful repose denied them, which is enjoyed by the storm- 

 tossed ship-boy, the industrious peasant, or the hard-working 

 artisan. 



While, however, we condemn and censure the vanities and 

 follies of many females, it would be unjust not to admit that 

 there are to be found among them most estimable and exemplary 

 characters; the kind voice and soothing sympathy of woman 

 alleviates and diminishes the sorrows and afflictions of man, when 

 oppressed and overcome by the hand of disease, the sway of 

 poverty, or the withering influence of despair. 



The writer fears that no Act of Parliament, no order in Council 

 will correct the abuses that have been glanced at thus briefly ; 

 no, not until a great revolution in the rules and customs of 

 society ,^ and a thoroughly organic change in the system of female 

 education, shall have been brought about, shall we see that 

 praiseworthy spirit of inquiry, that desire to acquire knowledge 

 and to diffuse it among others, and that catholic philanthropy 

 which ought to be predominant in the hearts and minds of all 

 who pretend to the name of a human and rational being. 



