The Washington herald., 1908-03-08

novels Of the day she went 10 those of
the last century. then 10 the classics.
then to French. German. Italian, Span
ish. What she could not read in the
originals she read in the translations, for
life outside OF her own little circle be-
came so interesting to her that she de-
termined 20 study it from every point OF
view. Suddenly she awoke TO find her
self another person: she thought differ
entity. she spoke differently what had
annoyed her became simply amusing. and
you know the rest Men sought her
out because she was companionable, re-
sponsive; because she could talk about
something else beside the last german.
and what was better. because she listen
ed understandingly to their talk. And
now-and this is the irony OF il all-be-
cause Jane doesn't care whether she has
partners or not. she has them galore. and
she is the star at all the dinners. If"
But just then Jane came in, bright,
breezy, sparkling.
Il think III take to reading" said the
blond in lavender; and when Jane asker
why. no one would explain.
A little girl. ''just fourteen writes The
Arbiter to ask what he would advise
her giving up in Lent. She admits being
fond of sugar plums. of desserts, "espe-
cially ice cream" Of the theater. and she
| likes chocolate with whipped cream
very, oh, very. very much" which shall
she sacrifice TO show her piety? The
letter is very naive. very simply ex-
pressed and IL IS a good sign in these
days when little girls not yet in their
teens regard themselves as quite grown
up that a little girl lust fourteen" could
write such a one; and since the prob
lem which confronts this child may be
troubling other children like her. The
Arbiter has decided TO give a general
rather than a specific answer, for. not
being a wizard, he cannot determine her
relative fondness for the various objects
mentioned and whether il would be best
for her spiritual development 10 deny
herself ice cream. which she likes "espe-
cially,' or chocolate with whipped cream
which she likes very oh, very. very
much" but a few words regarding the
observance of Lent will not be amiss.
The Arbiter's little correspondent is evi-
IDENTIFY not member Of the Roman Cath
Ole or Episcopal Church. or she would
follow the rules for fasting laid down by
these eommunions without asking advice
from outside. but for some reason. either
Lenten spirit that is around. she feels
the need OF chastening herself. and to
this end she cOntemplates giving up some
thing or which she has an especial liking
! This is step in the right direction, GER
tainly; any self-deniai. any consistent
exercise Of the will. make for character,
and If one is 4 gluttOn il is necessary
and good 10 restrict the carnal appetite.
| but II ones indulgence in the good things
! Of life is only normal. then. from The
| Arbiter's point Of view. there are many
nObler ways Of keeping Lent than by
! mOrtifying the flesh A great Spanish
| philosopher once wrote. and although the
same idea has again and again been ex-
| pressed by others. il has never been bet
ter expressed; There Is no higher rule
than that over oneself. over ones
/ impulses; there is the triumph or free
viii" Could there be any better way IN
which 10 observe Lent than by endeav-
oring TO attain this rule over. oneself?
Surely not; so, little girl, Just fourteen. -
eat your ice cream IN moderation, drink
temperately OF chocolate with whipped
cream, but bride your passions. hold
them in with a curb bit until they are
completely your slaves.
To be practical. introspection as usually
| INDUCED in is unwhOlesOme, but careful
self-examination, If il leads 20 seIf-cor-
rection and self-control. is most whole
some, for, before one can correct faults.
he must be able to recognize them. The
most obnoxious people in the world are
those who go through life on a constant
| hunt for the mote I'm their brothers eve
while they do not even appreciate that
they have beams in their own. So. then.
Just Fourteen begin in this Lent to