t propriety, say, "I wish that you could see such or such a work
and, if you will permit, I should be pleased to send you a copy." It
is then optional with the lady to accept or refuse.

Should a gentleman persist in offering other gifts there must be no
secrecy about it. She should take early opportunity of saying, in the
presence of her father and mother, "I am very much obliged to you for
that ring, pin (or other gift) which you were so kind as to offer me
the other day, and I shall be happy to accept it if Papa or Mamma does
not object." If the lady is positive in her objections to receiving
gifts, it is easy to say, "I thank you for the kindness but I never
take expensive presents;" or, "Mamma never permits me to accept
expensive presents." These refusals are always to be taken by the
gentleman in good part. Where a present has been unadvisedly accepted,
it is perfectly proper for the mother to return it with thanks,
saying, "I think my daughter rather young to accept such expensive
gifts."

After an engagement is formally made the etiquette of gifts is
somewhat altered, though even then expensive presents, unless it be
the engagement ring, are not in the best taste. These should be
reserved for the marriage gifts.

Proposals of Marriage.

The proposal itself is a subject so closely personal in its nature
that each man must be a law unto himself in the matter, and time and
opportunity will be his only guides to success, unless, mayhap, his
lady-love be the braver of the two and help him gently over the
hardest part, for there be men and men; some who brook not "no" for an
answer, and some that a moment's hesitation on the part of the one
sought would seal their lips forever.

A woman must always remember that a proposal of marriage is the
highest honor that a man can pay her, and, if she must refuse it, to
do so in such fashion as to spare his feelings as much as possible. If
she be a true and well-bred woman, both proposal and refusal will be
kept a profound secret from every one save her parents. It is the
least balm she can offer to the wounded pride of the man who has
chosen her from out all women to bear his name and to reign in his
home. A wise woman can almost always prevent matters from coming to
the point of a declaration, and, by her actions and her prompt
acceptance of the attentions of others, should strive to show the true
state of her feelings.

A gentleman should usually take "no" for an an