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It must be presumed all men and women have or had consciences at some periods of their 

 lives. Probably some have gone so far to the south of the equator their consciences now never 

 give them any concern. The further southwards we go the less fear of God we have, and if we 

 have lost this sense, we have forfeited the claim to even the beginning of wisdom, and we get 

 so accustomed to this state that it becomes second nature to us. 



There seems to me to be the greatest difference in what is termed taste and style. The 

 two words seem to express different meanings. What I remark applies equally to men and 

 women. Those who have the former (good taste), simply use their own judgment as to what 

 is becoming, as well in personal appearance as in other matters, and use what is becoming only, 

 and they are content with the good opinion of the few and gentle ; those who have not the 

 former, aim at the latter (style) only, and go in for it without consideration, excepting to see 

 how they can follow, or perhaps they wish to lead, what is the fashion, and will be led by it into 

 any state of extravagance, totally irrespective of its suitableness, either in their personal appear- 

 ance or otherwise, merely to attract the attention of the many and perhaps the vulgar. 



Another old saying is that "Manners make the man" i.e. the gentleman. Incongruous 

 dress only seems to be necessary for the so-called lady, and manners may not be required, 

 but they certainly are required for the gentlewoman. Some women are gentle however 

 born ; others, though high-born, require a certain amount of training, and to be taught what 

 self control means before they become entitled to the cognomen of gentlewomen. 



Is it a lawful question to enquire who it is who invents fashions for women? How is it 

 sensible women do not find this out before adopting them? Surely the fashions ought to be 



