easure a natural gift, but it can be
cultivated, and is well worth the trouble. Nothing can be so utterly
painful in society as the tactless person who is perpetually "doing
those things which he ought not to have done, and leaving undone those
things which he ought to have done."

The art of conversation, too, is worth cultivating. A woman, noted
among her friends for her delightful letters and as delightful gifts
of conversation, was asked how she managed it.

"Frankly," was the reply, "I strive for it. When I see in a book or
hear anywhere a happy phrase, or a telling sentence, I make a mental
note of it, and watch for an opportunity to incorporate it in my own
speech or written word. I don't mean I appropriate other folks' ideas
in wholesale fashion, but I do steal or utilize their knack of
expression. Another point I make is never to permit myself to speak
carelessly, that is, slovenly, any more than I let my hair be untidy
or my gowns mud-stained. It does not seem to me frivolous or bestowing
too much care on trifles to take this small pains for my betterment. I
pin a flower on my dress for a bit of color, or adjust a bow where I
know it is becoming; why should I not apply the decorative idea to my
speech?"

Power through Repose.

Cultivate repose of manner. Be calm and restful. Do not fidget.
Command of the tongue is a valuable accomplishment to cultivate. Many
a young girl is actually fidgety, because she thinks to be a success
she must be "full of life" and always "on the go." She wants to be
bright and vivacious. If such is her temperament and her vivaciousness
comes spontaneously it is perhaps attractive, though it is very likely
to get tiresome.

Nine out of ten women would be twice as attractive if they would learn
to keep still and thus gain the full social value of this ability.
Especially is this true of young girls. When a young man is
introduced, why plunge at him with a volley of phrases? An effect is
made twice as quickly if his look is met with steady, quiet eyes, a
few words spoken in a gentle, sincere voice, and a chance given him.
Presumably, he requested the introduction, and so, probably, he has
something to say. Anyway, he is likely to have, if you are serene and
quiet.

A habit of repose will save from many a blunder. When a man, one does
not remember, plunges into a conversation, the habit of repose enables
one to keep an unmoved and quiet demeanor until something is said that
wil