Page:Advice to young ladies on their duties and conduct in life - Arthur - 1849.djvu/147

Rh power, and by it, and it alone, will a young lady be able to see for herself what is right, and form her own judgment of the world into which she has been introduced, and where she has an important part to act as a woman. The men with whom she comes in contact are often from two to three, and sometimes from six to seven, years older than herself. They have teen more and thought more than she has. The first deceitful appearances of life have passed away with them, and they can see beneath the surface. When in company with men, therefore, a young lady should seek rather to follow than lead in the conversation; for, by doing this, she will gain much useful information and many desirable hints in regard to manners, character, social usages, books, and various other matters useful to be known. If, as will not unfrequently be the case, young men begin some trifling chit-chat or idle gossip about fashion, or call attention to some peculiarity of dress, person, or manner in individuals present, a young lady should as adroitly as possible change the subject, and endeavor to lead her companion into a conversation on topics of more interest and importance. If she fail in doing this, she should maintain a rigid silence on the subjects introduced; they are unworthy of her, and their introduction should be