The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1888-01-19
MODERN OLD MAIDS.
Slcy are Jolly and Good -Natured, and
Dress in Exquisite Taste.

According 10 the idea of things which
prevailed not SO very long ago. the wo.
man who did not marry was a blighted
being. II did not matter whether she
remained single from choice or neces-
slty; for since it was considered wo-
mans only manifest and unalterable
destiny 10 marry. she must of course, be
regarded rs failure in life if she did
not do this And though she NAV have
refused forty offers of marriage, or have
had the most imperative dulles of any
sort, or developed the most decided tai
: ent for some vocation in life other than
marriage yet neither one nor all of these
would have been accepted. rs a valid
reason why she should not follow what
eociety had decided was the only proper
course in life for her.
From this condition of things there
arose in literature and minds of the peo-
pie in general the typical ''old maid"
She was always pictured as gaunt,
angular, and forbiddino in appearance:
morose and ill-tenpered in disposition,
as became a blighted and disappointed
beingi hating youth and pleasure of all
sorts. with a special grudge against
ioyemaking and lovers, since they re-
minded her of her own vanished youth
and the opportunities which she never
had, OF, having. had neglected.
But We have changed all that in these
later days With the education of wo-
men and the Broadening OF their oppcr-
turities in every way their destinies have
i,roadened also. A woman is still, per-
haps, expected first to marry, and it is
best for her that SIZE should, provided
her marriage can be happy and suita-
bic one. But if from her own choice,
Or necessity arising from lack of APP
probation on the part of the other and
more stupid sex, she remains at the end
of her days what someone calls an .sun-
claimed blessing" she is no longer con-
sidered, from this circumstance alone,
a failure and an unhappy creature. She
Is no longer doomed to life OF depen-
dence in the house of another, foe 8
score of vocations are open to her. in
any one of which she may win liveli-
hood or even competence. Consequent
ly she commands respect and, far from
being a subject OF contempt or pity, she
is more likely tho object of open or Sc
cret envy on the part OF most of her
married acquaintances.
And so it has come about that the
typical old maid of former times has
passed away, and in the literature of to-
day we find new types conforming TO
the new facts of the case aud quite DIFF
ferent from the old. The modern old
maids not angular and forbidding in
but plump and pleasing.
She ie not ,,nnrr,en apH i'll .ar,naroJ bnt
jolly and good-natured to an extent that
makes her the best of company. As
she has never had the absorbing cares
that come with marriage, and has no |
family Of sons and daughters growing
up about her to remind her of the fight |
of years, she has naturally forgotten to
grow old, and young people regard her
as one OF themselves when good times
are beng planned; while in tie matter
Of lovers and love making she has had
that experience which makes her simply |
invaluable IS confidanie and adviser,
and she is the repository of all the ss-
,rets of this sort which exist within the
,ange of her acquuitancc. She dresses
n exquisite taste, she pets pug dog or
/ white cat. a golden beetle, or what
'ver animal fsshion may dictate; is
dolized by her family; especially her
'oung nephews; has hosts OF admirers,
,ut is discretion and propriety persona 5
led; is the guiding spirit in orphan
.sylums. hospital fairs. associated
.harity matters. and other good works, 8
md. in short, lives out TO the end of her
lays happy, useful, weii-rounded ex.
Telegraph.