before her. Is it not possible
that society has some intrinsic worth, or that at all events it might
have worth, if earnest people did their part? There is much to be done
for the poor, but the poor are not the only ones to be helped. Sweetness
of temper and honorable action tell as much sometimes in a game of cards
as in an affair of state. The highest good anybody can ever do is to
inspire others with a higher ideal, to raise the level of character. The
specific act by which this is done matters little; in truth it is
usually the result not of an act, but of a noble character influencing
others unconsciously. One might give all her goods to feed the poor and
not leave the world any better than she found it. On the other hand, I
know a frank, light-hearted girl, whose whole mind seems to be absorbed
in choosing the prettiest dresses she can find for her approaching
_debut_, who is sure to be a factor in elevating every company she
enters, because of her scorn of any form of meanness. She would not
trouble herself to say anything bitter if one of her acquaintances did a
mean thing; but the amazed tone in which she would utter the word
"Fancy!" would inflict a punishment no culprit could escape.

Most of what is called society is no doubt poor and weak, and not worth
much time or trouble. I think the girls whose pathway does not lead
directly through it are perhaps to be congratulated. It is to be hoped
that most women who reach the age of twenty-five will find something
better to do than to give themselves up entirely to society. But though,
as now constituted, its exactions are so heavy that it often seems as if
it must be all or nothing, it need not inevitably be so. Society could
be so conducted as to be a beautiful recreation instead of a business,
and those who see this clearly can help to bring it about.

Society ought to give enjoyment in a refined way. Beautiful houses,
beautiful dresses, music, cultivated voices in conversation, delicate
wit, smiling faces, graceful dancing, all these things would make up an
attractive picture to most of us if we could forget ourselves, and not
feel that our shadow was the most prominent part of it. It could not
take the place of our serious daily life, but it ought to supplement it.

The French writer Amiel has given the most beautiful description of
ideal society, and I will quote it here. It would, I think, be a good
plan for every girl who wishes to give up society to con