The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1872-10-12
FAST GIRLs.l
There exists, a large and grow

There exists, large and grow
ing class of fast" young ladies,
who might advantageously be
checked in their downward careers
They may be encountered without
much trouble, for they ostentatious-
ly thrust themselves upon public
notice. They have. generally, plen
ty of self-confidence, lots OF lung
power, and q certain amount of
personal attractiveness, enhanced
by their style of dress, which,
though loud" and, generally, ex-
tremely inartistic, has charms for
men of a certain type. Il can be
compared to nothing so well as
that adopted by the demimonde;
indeed, it seems the desire of the
''fast' young ladies to initiate the
latter in many particulars beside
dress-so much 80 that people may
we'll be excused for occasionally
mistaking them for what they are
not.
They have many accomplish
ments. Provided they get with a
congenial companion, their CONVEX
sational powers do not fail them
They go galloping on from topic
to topic in merry, devil-may care
fashion. No doubt, were they
wise, they would avoid vulgar
slang and some of the topics upon
which they touch, and refrain from
expressing sentiments which do
not sound well, coming from love-
~ and presumably innocent young
maidcns. They would be more
charitable toward their neighbors,
less sparing of hostile criticism
upon those who do not affect the
same kind of life as they do.
Their sisters, who lack such per.
sonal attractions as themselves,
should not be alluded to; nor young
men of studious habits and steady
mein, be dubbed "muffs," and 9TH
er uncomplimentary epithets-not-
outstanding the fact that, in the
majority of instances, they may be
incorrigihle blockheads. No man
likes 10 hear a woman speak i'll of
anybody-unless it be dangerous
rival for her favor. The "fast''
young ladies, then, defeat their
own purposes, in being sarcastic at
the expense Of other less gifted
beings than themselves, in express
ing preference for dubious pleas
ures, and in sLeering at Mrs Grun-
dy's laws Of propriety. But the
fact remains that they can talk,
which, though talking is reputed
to be 9 purely feminine attribute,
is what many young ladies are un.
able to do except under the most
advantageous circumstances.
Frequently. they can sing and
play fairly, though their style may
be, to use dramatic term, STACEY
to the last degree. They are, gen
orally, great adopts at croquet, and
If they have pretty feet, can show
them in the most charming manner
during the progress Of this inter
esting game, to great advantage.
They use violet powder. and other
cosmetiques known to ladies, with
considerable skill and manipulate
false hair sufficient to stock hair.
dresser's shor, with marvellous
dcxterity.
A cigarette-msy we whisper 6
cigar p is no stranger to theil
ruby lips, and, strange to say, does
not cause them to bctray symptoms
of internal uneasiness. They un
derstand betting, and, unlike most
gamblers, win good deal more
than they lose. Fortunately, how
ever, their wagers are confined to
such trifles as gloves and feminine
articles generally. They can fre
quently ride, row, and indulge il
other masculine pursuits.
But perhaps the accomplishment
in which, of all others, they mos
excel, is that of Irritation. Yot
can get up a firtation with them
il you are an Adonis-a really des
perate affair, with little difficulty
Without committing yourself t.
any engagement, you can squeeze
their little hands, encircle thei1
dainty waists, and press kisses up
on their dainty lips, and it will not
follow as natural conseo uepce
that mamma is made acquainted
with all the circumstances. MOI
need you fear that the injured ones
will he mortally offended with you
Rest assured, if you can enjoy 9
bit of fun, 80 can they; and if you
can keep good council, so can they
It will thus be evident that 'sfast'
young ladies have many accom-
plishments.
The summum bonum of existance
to the s'fast' young ladies is to gel