MISCELLANEOUS.
Edie.—We prefer not to give recommendations as to the use of cosmetics. Unless analytical chemists, we could not say of what they are composed; unless skin-doctors, we could not pronounce of their efficacy, nor even their harmlessness; and unless we were personally acquainted with you, we could form no idea of what would suit your individual case. A recipe of the Empress Josephine’s has been found, and it appears that she used to pour boiling milk over a basinful of violets, with which she bathed her face and neck every morning. This very simple bath is used by French ladies to this day, from the time they discovered the treatment adopted by the Empress, so beautiful in complexion, and an enormous trade in this flower, and for this purpose, is carried on in Paris at this present time. We think it wrong to waste so much milk.
Irene.—Situations of this kind, as nurse or maid for the one voyage, are generally obtained by advertisement in a daily paper, or perhaps in one of the weeklies which deal with the subject, such as the Queen. No remuneration perhaps in some cases, or very little. This would be, of course, a subject for personal agreement. But there are many people who advertise themselves as willing to give their services, their passage-money being paid.
Goosie Gander.—1. If an assumed name or pseudonym be sent with a manuscript, the sender should also include his or her real name and address.—2. The length of stories is in accordance with what the Editor needs, and a story should not be difficult to shorten, or, in the reverse case, to lengthen, if required.
Omenica.—Jackets are all worn short this year in England, as well as elsewhere. Our personal opinion is that the constant use of files, knives, and all steel instruments to the nails is very detrimental to their beauty. The habit of pushing down the quick round the nail with an instrument, or even cutting it away, is a very bad one. It should be gently pushed down with the wet towel when the hands are washed. Indeed most of the cleaning can be done in this way. The nails should be cut in a rounded form, and should never be permitted to extend beyond the top of the finger itself; and filing them at the sides would be foolish and unnecessary too.
Ungraceful Pigeon and Others.—Judging from your letters, you each and all need a course of gymnastics. This would probably make “Pigeon” grow a little also. There are five systems of gymnastic exercises—the German, Swedish, military, English, and those of Miss Chreiman. Gymnastic classes are held in London at Board schools, polytechnics, Young Women’s Christian Associations, High schools, and at many other places; so, by inquiry, you can very easily find a place. Then there is swimming, which is a capital exercise, the training for which can be had in many places in London. You might like that better perhaps. The terms are very moderate.
Jessica.—Write a separate answer for those of your party who refuse the invitation. If not a very special one, where the number would make a difference, or if uncertain, accept for all on one card, and apologise for those absent as you enter and greet your hostess.
Gladys.—We suppose you know the glass bottles that are sold for fly-catching. In America what is known as the feverfew, queen’s daisy, or pyrethrum, is thought to keep flies away. You might try a few pots of that. It may be either grown from seed, or can be obtained at a nurseryman’s. Darkness is one of the best remedies against flies, and so the more shaded you can keep your windows the better and the darker the shop on a bright day.
Sister Edith.—Not admitted under twenty-one years of age, we should think; but we can find no limit of age. Deaconesses must be under thirty-five years of age when admitted.
Ignorant One.—1. For a seed cake the following, from a well-known cookery book, is excellent and cheap. Rub six ounces of butter into three-quarters of a pound of flour, add a pinch of salt, five ounces of the best moist sugar, and a dessertspoonful of caraway seed. Dissolve half a small teaspoonful of soda in a teaspoonful of hot milk. Beat up this with two eggs, already well beaten, and stir the whole into the cake. Put the mixture into a buttered tin, and bake in a moderately-heated oven—from thirty to forty minutes will suffice.—2. Hyacinth bulbs deteriorate after the first year, and would not do for water after planting in the ground.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Full particulars of the Guild can be obtained from its founder, Sister Grace (Mrs. Kimmins) at the Bermondsey Settlement, where its headquarters are.
[2] Life and Letters of Mrs. Ewing, p. 283 (S.P.C.K.).
[3] Stanley, Lectures on the Jewish Church.
[Transcriber’s note—the following changes have been made to this text:
Page 779: scence to scene—“upon the scene”.
Page 784: unhealthly to unhealthy—“being unhealthy”.]