. But the horrid
massacre of St. Bartholomew, the work of her spirit, is sufficient to
render her name as infamous as it is distinguished. Let the intellect
of this sex continue to be highly cultivated. But let

"such respect
To woman's noiseless duties sweetly blend
And temper those high gifts, that every heart
That fears their splendor, loves their goodness too."

Mrs. Jameson inquires, and very properly, whether "where woman is idle
and useless by privilege of her sex, a divinity, and an idol, a victim,
or a toy, her position is not quite as lamentable, as false, as
injurious to herself, and to all social progress, as where she is the
drudge, slave and possession of man?"

Another scene for the education of woman lies in circles for
Conversation. This is a pre-eminent means, not only of pleasure, but of
improvement. It is a quickener of the intellect, a purifier of the
affections, and an instrument of heightening our spiritual aspirations.
I doubt whether woman especially is not more indebted to this, than to
all her other facilities, for mental and moral advancement.

But how shall it be made conducive to the highest possible good? It must
be studied, as an art. A girl may as easily be taught to converse well,
as to recite lessons in philosophy. Persons differ, in this talent, it
is true, as regards fluency; but this is by no means essential to
useful conversation. Good sense, a respectable education, and a pure
heart, are the great requisitions. She who has these, cannot fail, with
suitable efforts, of becoming agreeable and edifying in her discourse.

To give the utmost effect to your privileges in this respect, learn
first the talent of listening to others. Never pass even a few moments
with one skilled in this accomplishment, without earnest attention. You
will thus not only gather knowledge, but observe how this great art may
be practised. You will perceive that no affectation and no insincerity
are needed to enable you to improve in this precious power. Simplicity,
naturalness, a truthful air and manner are, indeed, more frequently the
result of labor than their opposites. It is hard, in this world of
artifice, to be perfectly artless.

To educate yourself in this talent, resolve, in the outset, to speak
always from your own mind and your own heart. Nothing is more fatal to
improvement than being the echo of other voices. Let your remarks be
like the gentle st