96 MANNERS AND FASHION. 



that a few hours earlier in the day it is admired. It is the 

 implied rebellion, therefore, that annoys. How little the 

 cause of quarrel has to do with the dress itself, is seen in 

 the fact that a century ago black clothes would have been 

 thought preposterous for hours of recreation, and that 

 a few years hence some now forbidden style may be nearer 

 the requirements of Fashion than the present one. Thus 

 the reformer explains that it is not against the natural 

 restraints, but against the artificial ones, that he pro- 

 tests ; and that manifestly the fire of sneers and angry 

 glances which he has to bear, is poured upon him be- 

 cause he will not bow^ down to the idol which society has 

 set up. 



Should he be asked how we are to distinguish between 

 conduct that is absolutely disagreeable to others, and con- 

 duct that is relatively so, he answers, that they will distin- 

 guish themselves, if men will let them. Actions intrin- 

 sically repugnant will ever be frowned upon, and must 

 ever remain as exceptional as now. Actions not intrin- 

 sically repugnant will establish themselves as proper. No 

 relaxation of customs ^ill introduce the practice of going 

 to a party in muddy boots, and with unwashed hands ; for 

 the dislike of dirt would continue were Fashion abohshed 

 to-morrow. That love of approbation which now makes 

 people so solicitous to be e7i regie would still exist — would 

 still make them careful of their personal appearance — 

 would still induce them to seek admiration by making 

 themselves ornamental — would still cause them to respect 

 the natural laws of good behaviour, as they now do the 

 artificial ones. The change would simply be from a repul- 

 sive monotony to a picturesque variety. And if there be 

 any regulations respecting which it is uncertam whether 

 they are based on reality or on convention, experiment 

 will soon decide, if due scope be allowed. 



When at length the controversy comes round, as con 



