Page:Personal beauty how to cultivate and preserve it in accordance with the laws of health (1870).djvu/211

 "Madam, with that confounded black mask on, you look so much like the devil that I am always tempted to make the sign of the cross to drive you away."

Margaret preferred to lose her husband rather than her complexion, and, when matters went to the extent of suing for a divorce, as they naturally did, Henry offered this nocturnal mask as a grave evidence of conjugal insubordination.

We have already remarked, and we repeat the warning, that exposure to out-door air immediately after washing the hands or face will almost surely change the skin more or less into parchment. The Romans and Greeks knew this, and took care to protect these parts by inunctions of oil; the ladies of the olden time knew it, and covered their faces with their loups. If the belles of our own day bore it more constantly in mind, there would be less demand for the artifices by which ruined complexions are concealed. Always, therefore, for at least fifteen minutes after washing the face, remain in a room moderately lighted and moderately warmed. Or if it is necessary to go out, wear a veil, and if the air is raw, rub gently on the skin a few drops of pure glycerine, or dust it with a little rice powder.

WHAT CLOTHING SHOULD BE WORN NEXT THE SKIN?

On a previous page we disavowed any intention of discussing that profound question, the Philosophy of