8 FACTS AGAINST FICTIOX. 



wisdom? If so, then, in spite of Darwin, let us 

 all have tails again — tails beyond our control, that 

 will wag, whether we like it or not, and leave no 

 longer any doubt of the sensation or emotion that 

 really governs the mind ! 



Truly society, as at present constituted, might 

 offer some grave objections to such a state of 

 things, more particularly in the ranks of ^'fashion." 

 For instance, at our balls in palace, hall, or castle, 

 with dresses worn as they now are, of course no 

 tail would appear, but still its spontaneous ^^wag" 

 might contradict the uttered word, and most 

 inconveniently betray the real feelings of the 

 heart. In vain Avould the prudent mother whisper 

 to her daughter, '' there is that man coming to ask 

 you to dance, my love. Say you are engaged, or 

 it is too hot." In vain does the poor girl, who 

 perhaps really prefers the undesirable younger 

 brother, utter the prompted words of refusal, tlie 

 graceful folds of the tarlatan are rustled, and the 

 thrill of pleasure in her heart made audible by the 

 quick taps of the truth-telling tail upon the chair. 



It might be inconvenient to have one's tail 

 trodden on in a crowded assembly ; but that ought 

 not to weigh against the wagging sincerity which 



