AUGUST 407 



places. It is very pretty in white. The green looks 

 well from the outside of the house, as does the red twill 

 I recommended before. White cotton-twill sheeting also 

 makes very pretty inner curtains. They are specially 

 pretty with outer curtains of white muslin. This in a 

 small room makes a very pretty effect, and there is noth- 

 ing to fade or to detract from the beauty of plants, etc., 

 inside the room. My friend who was afraid to use the 

 small curtains said the only use of blinds is in case of 

 death. It is for that very reason I should like blinds 

 done away with. Drawing down blinds in cases]of death 

 seems such a foolish fashion, when in time of sorrow one 

 wants the help of all the sunshine that can be had. I 

 must own sash windows are difficult to manage with cur- 

 tains. I myself do not like them cut in two; but even 

 then they are not so ugly as smart blinds edged with 

 embroidery or lace. 



Many ask if white paint, especially on staircases, does 

 not prove unserviceable. I think white paint knocks off 

 less than any other, and there is no wear and tear on a 

 staircase except on the carpet in the middle. It is very 

 desirable to have a piece over at both ends of the stair- 

 carpet, so that when it gets worn it can be shifted either 

 up or down. This is a touch of economy beginning 

 with expense, as it requires a little more carpet. I have 

 never heard it suggested by the shopman who sells or 

 lays the carpet. To return to paint, it is essential that 

 white paint should be good, which depends entirely on 

 using the very best white lead. This is perfectly well 

 known in the trade, but it naturally costs more than the 

 inferior qualities, and so is seldom used. I never use 

 varnish except in London, as even the best varnish al- 

 ways turns the paint yellow after a little time. I am 

 obliged to own that, though very cheap in the first in- 

 stance, my favourite whitewashed walls do seem ex- 



