The morning times., 1896-01-05
CHOOSING A HUSBAND.
Robert Louis Stevenson's Advice to
women.

Robert Louis Stevenson's Advice to
1t isn't often q man comes forward to
offer advice unsolicited on how TO choose a
husband-wben one does, women ought
to give his remarks attention, for the sug-
gestions he advances are sure to be inter
esting il not convincing.
Don't marry any man." says ma scuIine
philosopher, .without duly considering his
| tastes and habits, for they offer a pretty
sure es innate OF tie lBGivIduaf S temper aud
bent of his character Refuse man OF let
tiers, though his genius may premise to pro-
duce the book OF the century Shakespeare
himself was not a satisfactory hfe's part
ner and authorship is sedentary, brain
wearing, dyspeptic profession He who
bends over a desk coinMg line sentences
will likely scowl when The baby walls, quar-
rel with his food, want peace when the
Children ronlp, suffer IRON insomnia and
| live chiefly en- his nerves.
.Refuse him." Nr. Stevenson continues,
"1ust as you would the musical genius, or
even the vocalist or tnstrunientiist who
has too much talent. Men of that stripe
! always sacrifice everything to their art,
which leaves, you see. very short commons
for the wife. Your embryo Wagner Is
apt enough 10 be as full OF crotchets as bis
scores. He is always up in the clouds or
| pit uc,,,t "a al, s.n.s4 oep, rs. The neigh
boris practicing daughter keeps him On the
rack, his hours OF composition or protracted
practice sap all the ha armony from his mind
! and body, while ambition rides him like
/ a nightmare.
But II YOU must have a husband in the
| arts try a painter or an architect. An
| artist is the only man who knows how 10
make poverty picturesque and accept 1t
| WI n philosophy -'4;s-.ilIis ciiors ca .s'IFas
or rawing stately lines is somehow a
| soothing occupation TO the mind There
| always fingers a halo OF romance around
| the velveteen coat and tall easel, and ar
| fists are, by the requirements OF their pro-
| fession, more Patiently hopeful than fever
| ishly ambitious
| There is really much excellent material
/ for a good husban nd TO be found among
| the journalists. A capable journalist is
| eminently good tempered fellow, cheer
| ful, energetic. has a keen understanding
| OF human nature, understands the philos-
| ophy of making the best OF a bad bar
| gain, leads a busy, healthy, varied life;
| and as n husband stands a better chance
! OF succeeding than, for instance, ply
| siciaD.
| It's doubtful if the popular doctor is much
| OF comfort to his Wife. He has too little
| leisure. his professional chains are carried
| everywhere with him, he is preoecupsed.
scarcely ever good business man, but a
| lawyer is to be highly recommen nded, and
politicians have their strong virtues.
Never marry man who has very few
| friends. There is undoubt etIly. big flaw
| in his character somewhere. but remember,
| IL a rather stern, reserved individual is
| found 10 practice such pretty tastes as
collecting or painting in water coiors, he
| is likely TO have nice. soft spots in his
| nature somewhere, amenable to the right
| influences
| ma u who is fond OF fishing is worth
| cultivating- II shows a coutempiatiye
| mind, open 10 cnnvictions. Remember that
| the bachelor who bpasts he has no small
| vices must needs be suspected. for human
nature is true to herself and abhors a
vacuum. It's wise wife who oheerfully
| tolerates pipe, who only lifts her eye
| brows at muddy boots. who doesu't ridi-
| ctle her husbands clumsy efforts at car
peniry mending around The house, who
| often admits the dogs tn the sitting room.
| and lets an occasional extra man friend in
| fordinner wit hout rehuke orapolocy. These
| are lii tie things, batthey all gotDward keep
/ ing cheerful husband inside the garden
gate. and tend to firmly establish domestic
! serpnityv