Скачать книгу

the first train to Dawson. However, the hours do move, though they don't appear to, and in a few more weeks we shall meet again. Let me hear from you as frequently as possible in the meantime. Tell me of your health, your amusements and your affections.

      Remember that every word you write will be a comfort to me.

      Unchangeably yours,

      William Miller.

      To Miss Kate Martin,

       Dawson, N. D.

      15.—A Declaration of Love at First Sight.

      Waterford, Maine, May 8th, 1894.

      Dear Miss Searles:

      Although I have been in your society but once, the impression you have made upon me is so deep and powerful that I cannot forbear writing to you, in defiance of all rules of etiquette. Affection is sometimes of slow growth: but sometimes it springs up in a moment. In half an hour after I was introduced to you my heart was no longer my own. I have not the assurance to suppose that I have been fortunate enough to create any interest in yours; but will you allow me to cultivate your acquaintance in the hope of being able to win your regard in the course of time? Petitioning for a few lines in reply,

      I remain, dear Miss Searles,

      Yours devotedly,

      E. C. Nicks.

      Miss E. Searles,

       Waterford, Maine.

      16.—Proposing Marriage.

      Wednesday, October 20th, 1894.

      Dearest Etta:

      The delightful hours I have passed in your society have left an impression on my mind that is altogether indelible, and cannot be effaced even by time itself. The frequent opportunities I have possessed, of observing the thousand acts of amiability and kindness which mark the daily tenor of your life, have ripened my feelings of affectionate regard into a passion at once ardent and sincere, until I have at length associated my hopes of future happiness with the idea of you as a life partner, in them. Believe me, dearest Etta, this is no puerile fancy, but the matured results of a long and warmly cherished admiration of your many charms of person and mind. It is love—pure, devoted love, and I feel confident that your knowledge of my character will lead you to ascribe my motives to their true source.

      May I then implore you to consult your own heart, and should this avowal of my fervent and honorable passion for you be crowned with your acceptance and approval, to grant me permission to refer the matter to your parents. Anxiously awaiting your answer,

      I am, dearest Etta,

      Your sincere and faithful lover,

      Geo. Courtright.

      To Miss Etta Jay,

       Malden, Ill.

      

      17.—From a Gentleman to a Widow.

      Philadelphia, May 10th, 1894.

      My Dear Mrs. Freeman:

      I am sure you are too clear-sighted not to have observed the profound impression which your amiable qualities, intelligence and personal attractions have made upon my heart, and as you have not repelled my attentions nor manifested displeasure when I ventured to hint at the deep interest I felt in your welfare and happiness, I cannot help hoping that you will receive an explicit expression of my attachments, kindly and favorably. I wish it were in my power to clothe the feelings I entertain for you in such words as should make my pleadings irresistible; but, after all, what could I say, more than you are very dear to me, and that the most earnest desire of my soul is to have the privilege of calling you my wife? Do you, can you love me? You will not, I am certain, keep me in suspense, for you are too good and kind to trifle for a moment with sincerity like mine. Awaiting your answer,

      I remain with respectful affection,

      Ever yours,

      Henry Murray.

      Mrs. Julia Freeman,

       Philadelphia.

      18.—From a Lady to an Inconstant Lover.

      Dear Harry:

      It is with great reluctance that I enter upon a subject which has given me great pain, and upon which silence has become impossible if I would preserve my self-respect. You cannot but be aware that I have just reason for saying that you have much displeased me. You have apparently forgotten what is due to me, circumstanced as we are, thus far at least. You cannot suppose that I can tamely see you disregard my feelings, by conduct toward other ladies from which I should naturally have the right to expect you to abstain. I am not so vulgar a person as to be jealous. When there is cause to infer changed feelings, or unfaithfulness to promises of constancy, jealousy is not the remedy. What the remedy is I need not say—we both of us have it in our hands. I am sure you will agree with me that we must come to some understanding by which the future shall be governed. Neither you nor I can bear a divided allegiance. Believe me that I write more in sorrow than in anger. You have made me very unhappy, and perhaps thoughtlessly. But it will take much to reassure me of your unaltered regard.

      Yours truly,

      Emma.

      

MODESTY. ACT NATURAL AND SPEAK WELL OF ALL PEOPLE.

       Table of Contents

      

THE HUMAN FACE, LIKE A FLOWER, SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.

      1. It takes acquaintance to found a noble esteem, but politeness prepares the way. Indeed, as Montaigne says, Courtesy begets esteem at sight. Urbanity is half of affability, and affability is a charm worth possessing.

      2. A pleasing demeanor is often the scales by which the pagan weighs the Christian. It is not virtue, but virtue inspires it. There are circumstances in which it takes a great and strong soul to pass under the little yoke of courtesy, but it is a passport to a greater soul standard.

      3. Matthew Arnold says, "Conduct is three-fourths of character," and Christian benignity draws the line for conduct. A high sense of rectitude, a lowly soul, with a pure and kind heart are elements of nobility which will work out in the life of a human being at home—everywhere. "Private refinement makes public gentility."

      4. If you would conciliate the favor of men, rule your resentment. Remember that if you permit revenge or malice to occupy your soul, you are ruined.

      5. Cultivate a happy temper; banish the blues; a cheerful saguine spirit begets cheer and hope.

      6. Be trustworthy and be trustful.

      7. Do not place a light estimate upon the arts of good reading and good expression; they will yield perpetual interest.

      8. Study to keep versed in world events as well as in local occurrences, but abhor gossip, and above all scandal.

      9. Banish a self-conscience spirit—the source of much awkwardness—with a constant aim to make others happy. Remember that it is incumbent upon gentlemen and ladies alike to be neat in habits.

      10. The following is said to be a correct posture for walking. Head erect—not too rigid—chin in, shoulders back. Permit no unnecessary motion about the thighs. Do not lean over to one side in walking, standing or sitting; the practice is not only ungraceful, but it is deforming and therefore unhealthful.

      11. Beware of affectation and of Beau Brummel airs.

      12. If the hands are allowed to swing in walking,

Скачать книгу