Page:Advice to young ladies on their duties and conduct in life - Arthur - 1849.djvu/144

136 make herself agreeable and entertaining to the person so introduced, by joining in conversation with him upon some general topic, instead of merely replying in monosyllables to every remark he may offer—a custom that is very annoying to a person who is politely endeavoring to entertain another. Don’t say that you cannot do it—that you don’t know what to say. Compose your mind, and think, and thought will soon dictate what you ought to say. If, however, the person who is seeking your acquaintance, has been introduced, without your consent, by some other than your father, brother, or your parents’ particular friend, you cannot be too reserved towards him. You have no guaranty for his character or his principles, and therefore you should not let him be upon easy and familiar terms with you.

In regard to her acquaintances of the other sex, a young lady cannot be too particular. It is no proof that a young man is worthy to be numbered among her friends, because he is well dressed, good looking, converses intelligently, and visits at the house, or attends the parties given by this, that, or the other respectable person. The error of believing this is a too common, but a very dangerous one. Unfortunately, such evidences are no proofs of true