CHAPTER VI.
THREE COQUETTES.
THE FICKLE TRIO--SOCIAL WHIRLWINDS.
You say, "Tell us all you see." Young ladies, there is a mixed-up state of affairs, yet one must use good judgment, so steady your minds for correct appreciation of the kindness of your near associates and friends. These Fourths of July mental pyrotechnics are not safe playthings, my dear young friends. Here are outlined so many love gifts, with pleasures too short-lived. You are pain-giving iconoclasts.
Heart-breakers, said the three, laughing.
You have spoken correctly, for here are broken, also incomplete circles and squares. These imperfect lines so near the life symbols key and wish with shattered urns and crushed flowers. Ah! and here are some blighted trees! This is both the spring time of your lives as of the seasons, so have care for the sad heart tears you cause and will reap. Lives are oft thus crushed. You are acting your funny parts as now you think.
"Know thyself," young man. Trifle not with the happy, little blonde lady, whose widowed mother passes sleepless nights thinking of her two pretty daughters. Neither be too attentive to the young matron, whose master carries the dagger by his side. L. and H. seem not good letters of names nor localities for you. Yet, you possess some fine mental gifts. Good books are near.
You girls will soon drift apart by a stolen letter and some dark cloud of distrust, though you will need each other. See you the separate roads, with the harsh wind blowing the leafless branches of the trees? and yet near by shines the beautiful meadow, just beyond your present thoughts. Strive to cultivate more of the duties of needed practical life and hopes. These high thought signs will not serve you, when life's autumn comes.
Now listen, little Brunette. Accept the old love in about two years. He will return to you from a distance. You smile, yet you will not wed with any one now associated. Do not, then, deceive him. He is keen of mind and heart. See, his sky is clear, and the ring of promise is in the light.
Yes, we can now see these outlines. You are a psychologist. You make us see them, as you desire, young man. Note you their forthcoming. I cannot impel these realities. Emma is the good name of your best friend, young man. She loves you thoughtfully. Cultivate her rare graces. The mirror is clear that is near her home. The birds sing and the children are joyful. Fine symbols. The home-garden, too, is beautiful. Let us trace the lines. The old, sick lady, inmate of the home will die in the Autumn. That will be a decisive change for that family. Do not allow them to pass out of your kindly care, if real friends you would possess. Lives can be strangely made or unmade oft times. One must be wise in order to be happy. These pitchers, with stout handles, as here seen, signify some lucky circumstances. The supposed wealth of this globe-trotting, dark clothed lady friend is to have a big fall. See the objects! The trunks are all upset and she is in ill temper and very self-willed. See the head? A mule is near her.
How curiously you read some of these things. I shall note them more fully, though you do not compliment us three at all. Are we, then, so soulless in our innocent pleasures? Pray, tell.
I but delineate some truths as your benefactor, and as I am given them for each. You all love popularity and excitement.