18 



2 HE IRRIGA TION A GE. 



her own after position in life. She 

 is called to the rank for which she 

 .is fitted. True, there may be oc- 

 casions when the accident of birth 

 may prevent exact justice in the 

 classification, but not often. In 

 the home, no matter how humble, 

 true character will develop. A 

 mask may be worn before the 

 world, but in this day and age the 

 world has a habit of looking behind 

 the mask; It is a discerning world. 

 It readily detects shant and hum- 

 bug. It distinguishes between 

 carelessness and vice; notes the 

 difference between honorable 

 vivacity and that levity which is 

 prompted ,by depravity. In its es- 

 timate of character it does not often 

 make a mistake, and the daughter 

 of humble parents may incite as 

 much reverence and respect as she 

 who is reared in a more pretentious 

 home or in luxury. The money 

 standard does not measure good- 

 ness; the possession of wealth car- 

 ries with it no monopoly of virtue, 

 intelligence and the womanly 

 graces. 



In this age of efficient public 

 schools and splendid public and 

 traveling libraries a good education 

 is possible for any girl who has 

 reasonable aspirations and a little 

 application. In the public schools 

 are opportunities for gaining an 

 education which is ample, in all the 

 walks of life except the profes- 

 sions. This may be supplemented 

 by a course of reading, costing 

 nothing, which will include history, 

 biography, travel, fiction and a lit- 

 tle science if desired. Thus 

 equipped any girl of average intel- 

 ligence can carry her part in a con- 

 versation on almost any topic, and 



these intercourses will constantly 

 add to her knowledge. 



The daily walk of the girl is of 

 much moment in influencing her 

 fnture life, yet there are so many 

 standards that no ironclad rule can 

 be laid down. What would attract 

 in one instance would repel in 

 another. Above the rabble, how- 

 ever, virtue is always demanded 

 and a gaod name is of first import- 

 ance. It is an essential element. 

 Even the appearance of evil is a 

 handicap which cannot be wholly 

 overcome. The world is not char- 

 itable with this offense. Its judg- 

 ment is harsh and the decree irre 

 vocable. The girl, then, who 

 would occupy an honorable place 

 in society should be discriminating 

 in selecting her companions and of 

 her every action. 



Of much importance, also, is 

 amiability, that combination of 

 agreeable qualities which win the 

 affections. This power of pleasing 

 is inherent with some, while in 

 others it must be cultivated and 

 beveloped. It is beyond no one. 

 A sour, churlish disposition can be 

 curbed or entirely changed. No 

 nature has not its agreeable and 

 pleasant traits. These, if properly 

 appreciated, can be fostered and in 

 time their softening influence will 

 permeate and transforms the most 

 disagreeable natural inclinations. 

 Sometimes it may be a severe 

 struggle, but "try, try again" is 

 the motto, success must come. 



Personal grace is akin to amia- 

 bility. Its component qualities are 

 graciousness of manner, neatness 

 of dress, cleanliness of person, 

 adaptability and geniality. These 

 need no analytical explanation. 



