THE PATH OF EVOLUTION 



As with the woman, the manly attributes are those 

 that are attractive to her; so man is captivated by the 

 feminine virtues, and often even by its defects. The 

 very difference between' their characters that which 

 pleases her in him would repel, if not disgust, him 

 if visible in her. Most women well know this, and 

 often seek to please and captivate by manifesting 

 their feminine helplessness and their want of courage 

 and of strength. The greater liberty that he pos- 

 sesses in seeking her whom he may prefer usually 

 makes her dependent upon the evidences of his pref- 

 erence before she can manifest her own. As the ulti- 

 mate disposal of herself is in her own hands, she 

 does not fail to exert her art of pleasing, and at 

 times leads him on by an apparent interest that he 

 mistakes for real, until the avowal of his feelings 

 proves her success. This is often met with little con- 

 sideration for the disappointment caused. In the 

 nature of the relation of the respective sexes this is 

 not entirely avoidable, for she does not always know 

 herself or her own feelings until his action calls for 

 a decision. Too often, though, she is throughout 

 perfectly sure that it is " Love's labor lost," and rather 

 enjoys than regrets his ultimate discomfiture. 



These actions, together with the thousand little 

 evasions, deceptions and false pretences that custom, 

 modesty and decorum almost unavoidably force upon 



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