Effie.—The loosened back of your book could only be tightened by a binder, and perhaps not even by him, unless he took the back off, when it could be done.
Lonely One.—Judging from your letter and its story only, we should say you were very well rid of such a half-hearted lover. And now, we think that at twenty-six, with a delightful profession to occupy you, you ought to be a thankful and happy girl. Throw yourself into your work with your whole heart. Discourage all repining and sorrowful thoughts; be resolute and determined, until your mind shall gain strength and its normal power again. Take plenty of fresh air and exercise, and look only on the sunny side of life. God helps those who help themselves; and He will help you to a happy life.
E. B. H.—We should think that your weight was about normal, if tall for your age. Has anyone been teasing you about it? Don’t mind, you can practise how to preserve a good temper under difficulties. The name Emma is of very ancient date. It comes from the Latin amata, signifying loved; and was used as a name of honour in the days of ancient Rome, when it was bestowed on the newly-consecrated vestal by the high priest. It is neither ugly nor common, so far as we can see. You have been taking “chaff” too seriously.
Muriel.—We suppose that the stains on the teacups are caused by tea; if so, rubbing them well with salt will take them off; and they will sometimes come off when merely scraped with a knife.
Annie.—A housemaid in a gentleman’s house would need three cotton dresses, half-a-dozen linen, and half-a-dozen lawn or muslin aprons, and a good black gown for afternoon wear. If you are one of two or three maids, you are under the upper housemaid, and she will instruct you in your duties. These would differ in every house respectively.
Ayesha.—Your writing is very fairly good. The blue velveteen must be cleaned with benzine, or some French chalk, which take out the grease—the latter rubbed in on the wrong side.
Florence.—Lawyer is a general term which comprehends attorneys, solicitors, barristers, and advocates. A barrister is a councillor, qualified and admitted to plead at the Bar, and to take upon him the defence of clients. He is also a conveyancer. An attorney-at-law is an officer of a court of law, legally qualified to prosecute and defend actions in such court, on the retainer of clients. He answers to the solicitor in Chancery, and the proctor in Ecclesiastical and Admiralty courts, and all are comprehended under the general term lawyer.
C. H. M. B.—1. If calling on a lady living with her brother, you would leave two of your husband’s cards.—2. The lady herself, in calling on you, would, of course, leave cards for her brother.
Floss.—1. We are much obliged by your kind expression of opinion concerning our paper.—2. The only way to improve your writing is to go back to copies and improve each letter as it comes.