r outside accessories.

"Shutters that coil up into a box over the window or down into a box
below it have the modest excellence of being always out of the way when
they are not wanted, of staying where they are put when partially open,
of occupying but little space and never standing in the way of the
window curtains. They are, in fact, wooden shades similar to the
old-fashioned green slat curtains, that were rolled up by drawing a
cord, but are far more substantial. The single slats of which they are
composed do not revolve, and consequently it is not easy to 'peep
through the blind just to hear the band play.'

"Venetian shades, with their multiplicity of bright-colored straps,
cords, hooks and trimmings, are picturesque and graceful. They are
somewhat subject to dust and repairs, and when the window is open are
not proof against tornadoes and thunder showers.

"Inside blinds are sometimes contrived to slide sideways, like barn
doors, into cavities formed to receive them. If built with extreme care
and handled with the utmost tenderness they are a degree less obtrusive
than when wholly dependent on hinges. Likewise, outside blinds may be
contrived to swing horizontally as well as vertically, standing out
from the top of the window like a small shed roof. They are not quite
wide enough to serve as awnings, and are liable to catch more wind than
they can hold."

"It strikes me that the whole thing is a 'blind.' What is he driving
at?"

"The conclusion of the matter seems to be given in this sentence: 'You
will perceive, therefore, that a decision in regard to blinds should be
made even before the house is staked out, since the size of the
foundation itself may be affected by it, as well as the minor
details.'"

"I'm ready for the question; are you?"

"Yes. In the bay windows and for the long windows that give access to
the balconies and piazzas we will have blinds that roll up out of the
way. A few of the windows on the sunny side will have for summer use
outside blinds, a few more will have cloth awnings. The most of the
windows will have no blinds at all, only such shades and curtains as we
choose to furnish. I don't think the eyes of a house ought to be closed
much of the time. It is certainty absurd to hang blinds at all the
windows when we only need them at a few."

"Oh, but won't the neighbors rage and imagine vain things when they see
a house with here and there a blind and here and there an awning?"