Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-07-01

such home would be shown by chemical
analysis to differ in its constituent elements
from the atmosphere of a household pre-
sided over by a woman of a sour or VloieH'
temper. That il viii affect even the cas-
ual visitor with a sense of physical well
being, IS the other does with a sense OF
physical discomfort, however well ordered
it apparently may be, is certain.
Like the sunshine the good temper
cheers and anlmates whenever and wherever
IL reaches.
The Woman
Who has ballast In her composition is not
apt TO lose her head nor grow perplexed in
situations of sudden embarrassment In
stinc vely she does the best thing under
the circumstances and says the right word.
She knows her own value.
woman should be able to take stock OF
herself and to have an adequate estimate
of her capabilities and equipment. A can
did and accurate inventory of her talents
and attachments will not tend to make her
vain nor Will it produce an overweening
self-confidence, but 1t will show her where
she stands and largely determine her stand
ing in the eyes of others.
1t will deliver her from the peril of vacil-
latiOn, swinging like a pendulum. now 10
that side, now TO this, and it viii make
her much more comfortable, In both her
and kinswoman and friend--a result not 20
be despised.
BY ballast we mean that substitution of
judgment, of wisdom in choice and solidity
in action-above all, of decision-a determ-
nation once found which makes a pers IN
equal to all demand. prepared for all emer-
gencies.
The ship would not ride without ballast,
nor is the human being worth much who
is not equally equipped with a substantial
fund of that saving grace, common sense.
Our Friends
Shrink from the thankless task of hold
ing the mirror up to our foibles for fear of
alternating us in the process.
Burns wish may be wise indeed:
Oh, wad some power the giftie gle US
To see 0ursel's others
The one place where we meet the plain
spoken criticism that is necessary to self
knowledge is in the home CircleI If there Is
any fault sprouting or In full bloom-de-
veloping or developed-we learn it at home.
The fact that we often fret at the revela-
lions shows that We recognize the imper-
lection. Nothing is more invaluable than
an unsparing criticism in these matters-so
near that his or her wholesome counsel
cannot successfully be evaded, and SO I'M
sparing that no fault goes unwhipped OF
Justice.
People who are deprived OF this whole
some influence of home criticism go on I'M
consciously to eccentricity and disagree
ableness uncontradicted, calling their tent
per high spirit" their business order,
their selhshness comfort, their oddiaes and
egotism individuality, their graveyard con-
versation sympathy. And no homely mir
ror has ever given them a good straight
look a themselves as they really are.
Therefore, let those who are SO lucky as
to have an attached and critical family be
thankful for the blessing. And as they
consider these things may they recognize
fully their obligation to those who, because
of their warm affection, refuse to make
truce with faults.
It is
The middle-aged woman's privilege to en-
joy entire freedom from worry. Youth is
undiscipnned, and may therefore be par
doned if troubles loom large before it, and
it loses sleep in It's fear that its plans may
fail of accomplishment Not so with that
maturer age which again and again has
seen relief come in the apparent moment of
ing ones best and trusting in God. one witt
be brought TO the desired haven.
To the middle-aged woman worry espe-
clally Is unbecoming. 1t writes wrinkles in
her brow. 1t gives a down dropping express
sion to her mouth, it robs her of beauty
and makes her uncomely.
IF anything is capable of cultivation,
beauty is; and a fine. sweet. strong soul
makes the plainest countenance lovely after
awhile. The woman arrived at middle age
should never be less than most attractive
She has had time to- grow beautiful, mel
lowing with the years which have enriched
her mental stores, given her treasury Of
association and taught her by experience
that 1.-THE darkest day, live till tomorrow,
Will have passed away"