The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1906-10-27
WHAT THE ENaAGEMENr RING MEANS.

Isn't it wonderful the amount of
ecstacy that tiny golden circlet can
encompass?
The engagement ring is even more
wonderful in the eyes of its happy
wearer than its follower, the wedding
ring, for the engagement ring comes
first, and there is such a world of
tender sentiment entwined in it.
There is not girl in the land who
does not in imagination see that magic
token cleaning on the third finger Of
her left hand.
All her rosy girlhood dreams are
centred around it, for it means the
happiest moment of her life.
The origin of the betrothal ring
dates back many hundred years.
In the beginning it was gift from
the groom to the bride to denote that
he admitted to her the privilege of
sharing his belongings.
It pracrfcaffy hua tiss e;s..s6s~.-AA
of the present day wedding ring but
in those days long engagements were
not customary, so the betrothal and
wedding rings were really one and
the same thing.
But always, in every country where
it has been used, it has meant the
plighting of love vows between man
and woman.
In many countries the man as well
as the woman wears an engagement
ring.
1t is beautiful custom, and yet it
is not necessary that an engaged girl
should have a ring.
Very often I receive plaintive little
letters from girls who tell me that
they are engaged, but have no ring.
They seem to think that all the joy
of their engagement is spoiled by the
fact that the ring does not adorn
their left hand.
There is no doubt that it is very
nice to have the ring-every girl
realizes that but, if a girl really
loves her fance the ring cannot make
much difference.
Custom has made the engagement
ring rather an expensive piece OF
jewelry.
If the young man has his way to
make in the world, it is far more SEN
sible to put the money in the bank
than to spend it on ring.
You see, girls, the money spent on
the ring would buy the dining-rootn
furniture or pay months rent.
If your sweetheart can afford a
ring, by all means have one; but
don't be unhappy if you have to go
without it.
Do not plight your troth to any
man without being very sure that you
cannot live happily without him.
Some girls make and break engage
ments of marriage as casually as they
would an engagement to go to the
theatre.
They think it fine to be engaged to
two men at the same time.
1t isn't fine, girls; it's conternpti-
Bile, and hurts girl immeasurable.
Do not lead a man on to propose
merely for the satisfaction of con-
quest. Human hearts are not made
to juggle with.
After you have accepted a mans
love try and realize the responsibility
that rests upon you.
You must train yourself to be a
good wife.
Learn the housewifely arts that
will teach you how to make a happy
home.
Try and bring out all that is best
in your fance; let him see that you
love and respect him and admire his
fine qualities.
Encourage him to be upright and
industrious.
Help him to save by not demand
ing extravagant gifts and treats from
him.
Don't look on him as merely the
man who can help you to have
good time look on him as your fu-
ture husband, the man you love and
honor.
That all sounds like a very large
contract, dear girls but that is what
you are responsible for when you ac-
cept mans love.
And whether the acceptance is
symbolized by ring or not, the obi
CATION is there just the same.-BeG-
hice Fair7a1.