in detail his
position and prospects in life, and judge whether or not they are such
as would justify him in striving to win the lady's affections, and
later on her hand in marriage. Assured upon this point, and let no
young man think that a fortune is necessary for the wooing of any
woman worth the winning, let him then gain the needful introductions
through some mutual friend to her parents or guardians.

If, on the other hand, it is a long acquaintance that has ripened into
admiration, this latter formality will be unnecessary.

As to the lady, her position is negative to a great extent. Yet it is
to be presumed that her preferences, though unexpressed, are decided,
and, if the attentions of a gentleman are agreeable, her manners will
be apt to indicate, in some degree, the state of her mind.

Prudence, however, does, or should, warn her not to accept too marked
attentions from a man of whose past life she knows nothing, and of
whose present circumstances she is equally ignorant.

Character.

There is one paramount consideration too often overlooked and too late
bewailed in many a ruined home, and that is the character of the man
who seeks to win a woman's hand. Parents and guardians cannot be too
careful in this regard, and young women themselves should, by refusing
such associates, avoid all danger of contracting such ties. Wealth,
nor family rank, nor genius, availeth aught if the character of the
man be flawed.

Let parents teach their daughters and let girls understand for
themselves that happiness, or peace, in married life is impossible
where a man is, in any wise, dissipated, or liable to be overcome by
any of the fashionable vices of the day. Better go down to your grave
a "forlorn spinster" than marry such a man.

Disposition.

As to temper or disposition, the man or woman can easily gain some
insight into the respective peculiarities of another's temperament by
a little quiet observation. If the gentleman be courteous and careful
in his attentions to his mother and sisters, and behave with ease and
consideration toward all women, irrespective of age, rank, or present
condition, she may feel that her first estimate was a correct one. On
the other hand, should he show disrespect toward women as a class,
sneer at sacred things, evince an inclination for expensive pleasures
in advance of his means, or for low amusements or companionship; be
cruel to the horse he drives, or display an absence of a