True enough, yet the greatest of beauties are not simply there for show. For her a nobler part is retained, and ere many years are over her head she ought to be as noble-minded and beautiful a matron as she now is a maiden.
Yes, and if health and beauty go hand-in-hand, with modesty and virtue in their train, this great kingdom of ours will never need to lower its flag to any combination in the world.
I say, then, to every girl-reader I have, “It is well to be beautiful.”
Growing Old Gracefully.
I cannot but respect and admire the women who grow old gracefully. Generally a little inclined to embonpoint are they, which but accords with their years. But there is a sincerity about them which is very creditable. A lady of this kind is never ashamed to own that she is getting up in years. No one would be rude enough to ask her age; but if anybody did, they would have a straightforward truthful answer. See, there is a sprinkling of silvery hairs on her head; she is, I believe, somewhat proud of them rather than otherwise, and if true religion dwells in her heart, she is altogether amiable. Some day she knows she will die. Some day—yes, some day; but this death will only just be going home. She is to be envied.
Should Art aid Beauty?
My answer is, “Yes, undoubtedly, if it be real art.”
Says the poet—
“Beauty unadorned is adorned the most.”
This is all nonsense. It is just as reasonable for beauty to call in the aid of science and art as it is for her to use soap with which to wash her hands and face. But on the other hand, a beauty that is all artificial is quite detestable. No man can stand a painted doll. We meet such in society all too often, but we soon find out that she is just as frivolous and heartless as she is artificial—a painted fraud, in fact, and I pity the poor fellow who is snared into marrying her.