Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-04-08
The Letter Which Won the Prize Of
$780,

The Letter Which Won the Prize Of
$1OO-
The New York Herald offered prize
of 800 for the best letter in answer to
the question
How far may woman go to en-
courage man to propose marriageT
Over 1000 letters were received, and
the prize was awarded to Mrs. James
A. Gilmour of Brooklyn, N. Y. whose
letter, signed Becky Sharp" was as
follows
THE WINNING LETTER.
How far may woman go to encourage man
to propose?
Just as far as these lines state; by one VINO
really knows.
Solomon, the wisest man that ever
lived, says of a good woman:-"Her
price is far above rubies." Certainly,
from his extraordinary and extensive
experience with the sex, should con-
slider him competent to pass judgment.
We will presume that you are a
good, womanly" woman, such as he
describes, and that you are DESTROYS of
approaching man on the subject OF
matrimony; that you are anxious to
induce him to propose.
First-Select the man on whom you
intend to bestow the privilege OF your
attention, note his behavior and gen.
eral conduct, and then, if you deem
him worth the winning, hold fast to
him. We are strictly enjoined to
''Hold fast to that which Is good"
Second-In your after companion
ship with him bear in mind the fact
that you are woman of great price,
''far above rubies," and you will never
compromise yourself by any lndecor-
business of speech or manner.
Seek his society in such manner
that he is not cognizant OF being
sought after; be bright and cheerful In
his presence, sympathize with him in
his troubles, stimulate him to best ef-
forts in his business affairs, cheer him
when he is respondent and encourage
him to confide in you.
Dress becomingly for him. but never
gaudily. When he is absent from you
write him a few interesting, chatty
letters, wherein, if you are an adept in
the art, you can weave q few insinuat-
ing expressions, which may work won
ders. 1.-THE pen is mightier than the
sword"
Above all else, prove yourself a good
listener. If he monopolizes three
thirds of the conversation, you will
have the more chance to study his
character, for tout of the abundance
of the heart the mouth speaketh." l
guarantee that you will get in your
thirds in the sweet by aud by.
should scarcely advise your treat
ing him to specimens of your cookery.
His mother might excel in the culinary
art. Moreover, it was an uncooked
apple with which Mother Eve beguiled
Adam. Of the righteousness of that
transaction shall say nothing; of the
success everything, in that she mould
ed Adam to her will. Time enough to
feed the brute'' when you have to do
so; then feed him to your hearts con-
tent, and feed him we'll.
If you are making any progress with
him accord him trlfling familiarities,
| to his affability and his interest in you.
Your womanly intuition should by
this time enable you to judge whether
or not you have found favor in his
sight and to act accordingly. "Be We
j. wise as serpents, but harmless as
doves"
Should there spring up between you
a mutual regard, treat him to some OF
those dainty feminine touches which
are indescribable. not because they
are womanly or wrong, but because
their language is mute and sacred to
the two persons most concerned.
Do not always agree with him; it is
sometimes wiser to agree to disagree.
| If you have a spark of wit in your
nature you ought by this time to have
made yourself so necessary to his exist.
ence that he will miss you sadly when
absent, and will begin to realize that
1T is not good for man to be alone"
Though all progresses well, draw the
line at prOmiscuous OSCILLATION. Never
permit him to kiss you; that is the
privilege of the engaged. But since
the Apostle says. Greet ye one an
other with an holy kiss" you might
vouchsafe him just one-some night al
parting, perhaps. But if he attempts
to return it do not permit it. Tel
him 1T is more blessed to give than to
receive"
Finally, you might inform him that
you can put him in the way of finding
a good thing" and refer him 20 the
eighteenth chapter of Proverbs, the
twenty second verse. If he be man
ly sort of fellow, and cares anything
for you, he will doubtless follow the
exhortation of the prophet. and thus
find favor with you and the Lord.
Should your innate modesty rebel
somewhat at this suggestion you may
console yourself by remembering that
it is indeed your leap-year privilege.
If you are the dear, womanly, nest
ling creature you ought to be, he must
have proposed long ago. If he has
not. discard him, for either he is not
worthy of you or you are not zen rap
port" with him.
In that case try again.
BECKY SHARP