Page:Advice to young ladies on their duties and conduct in life - Arthur - 1849.djvu/161

Rh either the words or manner of her male acquaintances, nor will they be in much danger of making mistakes as to the character of her regard for them.

In the free, social intercourse of a young lady with her friends of the other sex, the idea of love, or a particular preference of one over the other, should never be permitted to enter her mind. She should look upon them as her intelligent friends, and feel that their association was for mutual advantage in elevating the mind, improving the taste, and strengthening the moral principles.

It will frequently happen, however, that some of her acquaintances will be more marked in their attentions than the rest, and, from the privilege of being occasional visitors, seek to establish a still more familiar and unreserved intercourse. This will be shown, it may be, in the offer of presents, and in invitations to attend balls, the theatre, a concert, or some other place of public resort. In regard to presents, a lady of much good sense and true discernment has thus written: “Accepting presents from gentlemen is a dangerous thing. Some men conclude from your taking one gift that you will accept another, and think themselves encouraged by it to offer their hearts to you; but, even when no