Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1890-03-13

but IN my case L ShOuld think you
would be especially reasonable in your
charges" said the woman.
The costumer looked at her in aston
shment. OF all women in New York he
considered that this one mi hit afford to
oay what she was asked for an article.
4 don't think quite understand you, -
le responded to her remark. why
,hould l make cheap terms for you, my
lear madam"
Because, replied the lady, when it
becomes known that am having my CO.'S
June made here many of my friends will
come to you"
The costumer could not see the ques-
ton in this light, and the discussion
work elsewhere. In the meantime her
two children were having little trouble
together in another part of the loom.
whats the matter, dear?" asked the
mother of one, who was crying bitterly.
She stole my five-cent piece" sobbed
the little girl, indicating her sister.
The mother secured peace by restoring
the money to its rightful owner, and
promising the other similar amount if
she would be very good until they got
home. AS the family went out to its
elegantly az pointed carriage,the costumer
aid:
well, guess that Pm glad I'm poor
Now that / have struck into critical
vein, let me moralize briefly on the mel
ancholy fact that mendacity is common
| feminine failing. Men have a contempt
for small lies. They may perjure their
souls to any extent for su tably large
stake, but they would certainly feel
ashamed to make the untruthful asser-
tions that women will indulge in, not
only on the slightest provocation, but
often without hadow of necessity.
1t is but Just to the feminine sex to say
however, that gain is not always the cause
of their lack of veracity. 1t seems rather
that the habit of wandering away from
the truth is kind of constitutional de-
| fect-a flaw in woman's nature. She lies
not so much from malice aforethought
as because it becomes more natural to
her than to make q plain, unvarnished
statement. Moreover, she is compelled
by her own sex to do SO. Women resent
! the attempts of reformers in this respect.
There are certain lies, they argue, that
society demands shall be told. They
are recognized formule, and to offer the
truth in their stead would not only be ex-
tremely unpalatable to the majority, but
would without question bring about
state of affairs which must inevitably
wreck the whole social system. 1t is
often the anxiety to keep themselves up
to the standard fixed by the unwritten
laws of their set" that further leads
women into the crooked paths of men,
dacity. But all the same, the knack
comes readily enough to them. Their
tongues utter "taradiddles" glibly enough,
whatever be their cause; and then there
are, besides, so many of these sugar coat
ed falsehoods told daily that need never
be uttered at all, and which may be said
! to come under the head Of feminine petty
immoralities.
There are no subterfuges that the gentler
sex will not practice by means of the facile
falsehood to secure something for moth
ing" such as theater tickets, entrance to
exclusive entertainments OF similar shows.
They WILL for such coveted prizes, men,
daciously commit themselves to almost
any extent, and with a wholesome disre-
gard of detection that positively appalls
the male friend whose aid is sought at
these times. ] remember on tho occasion
of famous ball it was stated that society
matrons had absolutely stepped them
selves in untruths in order to get invita-
tons, and l can believe it. When such
matters are at stake, truth stands but a
poor chance, and having been once sacri-
feed, moreover, is not easily reinstated,
for "he who tells lie will inevitably be
forced to invent twenty more to maintain
it," and thus it comes about that veracity,
which at best is but lightly esteemed in
feminine circles, gradually ceases to hold
any important place in the female code Of
morality Jennie Dean IN Chicago