The Washington times., 1905-04-23

service Of her friends. and it is SO still
If / Were a girl / would not be. out
done by an old woman of four score.
But our standards may hamper u.s.
Should we let them?
| would learn how to play accom-
paniments and I would be able, when
there was occasion, to May for boys
and girls who wanted to dance have
seen charming girl seat herself at
the piano. in a girls college, and direct
iy all the beautiful young creatures were
dancing like fairies to the music she
gave them. In country house,
boarding house in the mountains, a
party OF summer visitors have been
made happy evening after evening by a.
girl whose playing was crisp, precise,
and in good time. though not otherwise
extraordinary. She was always willing
to play when people asked her, and the
innocent pastime went on merrily. be-
cause she was unselfish and accommo-
datin-.
Too Self Conscious.
The trouble with many girls is that
they are far too self-conscious. If
they cannot do things well. they shrink
from criticism and will not do them
at all Dimdence and reserve go hand
In hand, and prevent many girls from
being at their best, or appearing as
well as they might, while the pleasure
they could scatter broadcast is wholly
lost in a world that needs pleasure
very badly Honey and bloom and fun
and recreation. sweetness, love, grace
OF manner, tactful politeness should
not be scorned by our girls
When Polly played for dancing, her
slender fingers few
Across the flashing ivory keys as if
they winked at you.
her hand
AS If the merry notes were mad to join
the festive band.
When Polly struck the measure of two
step or OF waltz,
The oldest there grew young again and
laughed AT Times assaults;
While lovely Sweet and Twenty, and
happy Sweet Sixteen,
Went floating light as thistle-down the
merry slaves between.
When Polly played the Iancers, you
should have seen us bow,
And weave the measures out and IN.
Would We were dancing now,
With Polly playing bravely, and all the
old set there,
Till who'd believe twas midnight by
the clock upon the stair?
Then Polly played as gayly as the
youngest heart can feel,
And, lad and lass, we danced again the
blithe Virginia reel.
II Cupid sped his arrows. be sure his
When Polly played for dancing, and
the hours fairly flew.
II I were a girl again / would take
more pains than most girls do IN writ
ing letters. 1 would cultivate 1csible
hand that anybody couli read, without
having to decipher It as If 1t were a
Chinese puzzle. I would not write three
pages Of prolix explanation before I ar
rived at the real reason for MY letter.
I would learn how to say things clearly
and agreeably, and when I had finished
I would stop. I would not forget old
family friends, nor keep my mother
wearying for g. letter, if I were away
from home
There are many more things I might
do were 1 again a girl. but these few
suggestions will do for this day. An
other time l may give few more hints
to girls who are good enough to listen
to rue. AS NY old teacher In penman-
ship used Il, say: Command you may,
your mind from play, long enough to
see what wishes lie before you, and how
very, very much you who are in the hour
of radiant girlhood may make Of your
lives"