GERTRUDE TREVOR - We fear you would find some difficulty in getting the boy into an orphanage, as he is not really an orphan. As he has been at school for the past four years, would it not be wiser to endeavour to place him with a stationer or bookseller, where he would obtain his board and clothing, and could continue to attend school at night.
DUNELM - You do not tell us what your own feelings are, so our advice would be useless. But we should think that you had better speak to your father, if you wish to put an end to the acquaintance, and let him act for you. We regret that your writing should have been so much neglected.
ALPINE SAPLING - The "Willow Pattern" illustrates an old traditional Chinese story of two young people who married clandestinely, were pursued by the bride's father to be beaten to death, but were changed into turtle doves, and so escaped. The three figures are represented on the bridge; that nearest the willow is the mandarin with the whip. On the right is his country seat; the small cottage is that of the gardener from whence he watched them. The island home in the distance is that of Chang, the young lover of Lichi, the mandarin's only daughter.
BEATRICE - Because you have been seven years in your situation you wish to change. You had better think twice and oftener about it. There are hundreds and thousands who would gladly take your place if you left it.
SP - Wait five years. What is done in haste will be repented at leisure.
PYGMEE - Several hundred letters of correspondence come every week. It is possible to give replies only to a selected number, which seem to have special interest. Many are about trifles, or ask questions which anyone at hand could answer if asked. Never be ashamed to confess ignorance by seeking information.
And finally, LOL:
MABEL BOLTON, of Weymouth, writes to say, "I shall be obliged if you will intimate that the Mabel Bolton whom you advise not to waste her time and fancy on attempting to write verses is some other than myself. I ask this because your criticism and the somewhat uncommon designation of your correspondent have misled my friends and exposed me to some unpleasantness.
Showing posts with label boy trouble. Show all posts
Showing posts with label boy trouble. Show all posts
Wednesday, 9 November 2016
Tuesday, 12 July 2016
25 September 1880 - Answers to Correspondents - Miscellaneous
A YOUNG BRIDE - We give your own spelling of this word, which you repeat no less than *four times in your short note. From this we also should judge that two years more of schooling, at least, would be needed to complete your education, and to prevent the possibility of your future husband being ashamed of the ignorance of the girl whom he has made his wife. You say your age is seventeen, and if this be true, be advised by us and take the next two years for study, making an earnest effort to fit yourself for the life before you. If your lover be truly attached to you, he will wait; and if not, you must remember that marriage is by o means the chief aim or end of life, and that such early marriages do not tend to permanent happiness. 2. Brides' dresses are usually made of white satin at present, and the bridesmaids may be dressed alike in pairs. 3. Go at once to your mother, or whoever is your chaperone at the time. No well-bred young ladies do otherwise.
LEEK - 1. Feed your pug from the scraps of the table, and let him have milk and bread, and green vegetables. Not too much meat, nor too much food of any kind. 2. Silver ornaments are very fashionable. 3. Yes, your writing is very bad. We are bound to be candid.
A COASTGUARDSMAN'S BRIDE - To go to a wedding in deep mourning is not good taste; either stay at home or change your apparel for the day.
LEEK - 1. Feed your pug from the scraps of the table, and let him have milk and bread, and green vegetables. Not too much meat, nor too much food of any kind. 2. Silver ornaments are very fashionable. 3. Yes, your writing is very bad. We are bound to be candid.
A COASTGUARDSMAN'S BRIDE - To go to a wedding in deep mourning is not good taste; either stay at home or change your apparel for the day.
Sunday, 26 June 2016
4 September 1880 - Answers to Correspondents - Miscellaneous
Don't butter your cat. Okay? Okay.
KATHLEEN BARTON wishes for "a good remedy for bad temper, for frightened people, and for making dogs thin." For the first we might re-introduce the old English "ducking stool" - a cure for "scolds." For the next, we should first know how they become "frightened people." For the third, reduce their allowance of food.
DOLLY VARDEN NO.2 - 1. You are quite right to hesitate over accepting even a flower from gentlemen with whom you have to do in your business; considering how familiar they frequently are, we strongly advise you to decline very politely, with a slight bow, saying, "You must kindly excuse me but I do not accept flowers from gentlemen" Of course your conduct and manner must be all "of a piece," and you should avoid joking and laughing with them. 2. Perhaps you might obtain a situation as a book-keeper.
SUSANNAH H - We advise you to banish from your mind all thoughts of being what you always call a "goveness". Your spelling, writing, grammar, and common style of expressing yourself render a girl, already nearly fifteen, quite incompetent to prepare for such a situation. We never before heard of such a person as a "short-hand goveness." From your desire to educate yourself, and thereby earn your living, we daresay you are a nice little girl; but if you applied as much zeal to e a good needlewoman, to make dresses, and to dress hair, you are still young enough to fit yourself for a good situation as a lady's maid. Or else you might learn to be a cook, and you could attend classes.
PUSSY - 1. Perhaps if you cut off a little of your cat's hair, and buttered the shortened coat, you might induce her to keep herself clean. 2. The Freemasons claim King Solomon as a member of their society, we believe, but a recent authority says that English Freemasonry does not date back further than Queen Anne's time, and the building of the cathedral of Cologne is given as the date of that on the Continent.
KATHLEEN BARTON wishes for "a good remedy for bad temper, for frightened people, and for making dogs thin." For the first we might re-introduce the old English "ducking stool" - a cure for "scolds." For the next, we should first know how they become "frightened people." For the third, reduce their allowance of food.
DOLLY VARDEN NO.2 - 1. You are quite right to hesitate over accepting even a flower from gentlemen with whom you have to do in your business; considering how familiar they frequently are, we strongly advise you to decline very politely, with a slight bow, saying, "You must kindly excuse me but I do not accept flowers from gentlemen" Of course your conduct and manner must be all "of a piece," and you should avoid joking and laughing with them. 2. Perhaps you might obtain a situation as a book-keeper.
SUSANNAH H - We advise you to banish from your mind all thoughts of being what you always call a "goveness". Your spelling, writing, grammar, and common style of expressing yourself render a girl, already nearly fifteen, quite incompetent to prepare for such a situation. We never before heard of such a person as a "short-hand goveness." From your desire to educate yourself, and thereby earn your living, we daresay you are a nice little girl; but if you applied as much zeal to e a good needlewoman, to make dresses, and to dress hair, you are still young enough to fit yourself for a good situation as a lady's maid. Or else you might learn to be a cook, and you could attend classes.
PUSSY - 1. Perhaps if you cut off a little of your cat's hair, and buttered the shortened coat, you might induce her to keep herself clean. 2. The Freemasons claim King Solomon as a member of their society, we believe, but a recent authority says that English Freemasonry does not date back further than Queen Anne's time, and the building of the cathedral of Cologne is given as the date of that on the Continent.
Thursday, 16 June 2016
14 August 1880 - Answers to Correspondents - Miscellaneous
ALIGHTAH - 1. It is a pity that you should be "much older than your age." You have three years at least before you begin to think of "coming out." 2. It would be very improper for any young girl to ride out alone, or with a riding master, unless accompanied by one or more companions. We do not consider it seemly for a girl to ride into the country even, accompanied only by her groom Such rides should be restricted to the parks and public places. 3. We do not perceive any suitability in the name "Madcap" to a tennis club. If you wore any distinguishing uniform you might reasonably call the club the blue, red, green, or black-caps. Black and gold would be a well-selected combination for the uniform.
MARY (Southbro') - You cannot want a "receipt for cracked lips," as you have never sent us any to be acknowledged; nor even a recipe for them, as they would not prove an agreeable acquisition. If you want a cure for them we should advise you to invest a penny in a little lip salve, to be had at all chemists' shops. Avoid altogether wetting your lips with the tongue - a common and injurious habit. Apply the lip slave whenever you take your daily walk, and on going to bed every night. We are obliged to you for your kindly-expressed thanks. Excuse our pointing out that you should not say that it is "published for we girls," but for us.
CORALINE - It would be a great impertinence and breach of etiquette in any private gentleman or lady to call upon one of the royal princes or princesses, however near their residence might be. It is not according to the usages of polite society for the untitled gentry to take the initiative and to call upon a peer or peeress, unless at their special request. Supposing even that you were visiting in a house where one of the Royal Family was likewise a guest, the hostess would not have the right to present you without any desire on their part that she should do so.
HAPPY-GO-LUCKY - It would be better to defer your perusal of such books until you are old enough to understand their humorous character.
ESME - It is not usual to accept "valuable presents" from a man to whom you are not engaged; or, at least, whom you do not intend to accept should he offer you marriage. Consult your mother or guardian. If you accept the gift, he will regard it as an indication of your intentions to accept his offer of marriage. 2. A man who is "always speaking disparagingly of women's intellect," would not "make a good husband"; for two good reasons, viz - he is grossly ignorant of the very first principles of good breeding, in expressing such an opinion in the presence of any woman; and if so unmannerly before marriage, he would prove even less scrupulous after it. Secondly, he must be wilfully ignorant and prejudiced to express such an opinion/ face of the tests supplied by the recent competitive examinations of female students in every branch of literature, science, and art, in which they have attained to the highest standard ever reached by men.
MARY (Southbro') - You cannot want a "receipt for cracked lips," as you have never sent us any to be acknowledged; nor even a recipe for them, as they would not prove an agreeable acquisition. If you want a cure for them we should advise you to invest a penny in a little lip salve, to be had at all chemists' shops. Avoid altogether wetting your lips with the tongue - a common and injurious habit. Apply the lip slave whenever you take your daily walk, and on going to bed every night. We are obliged to you for your kindly-expressed thanks. Excuse our pointing out that you should not say that it is "published for we girls," but for us.
CORALINE - It would be a great impertinence and breach of etiquette in any private gentleman or lady to call upon one of the royal princes or princesses, however near their residence might be. It is not according to the usages of polite society for the untitled gentry to take the initiative and to call upon a peer or peeress, unless at their special request. Supposing even that you were visiting in a house where one of the Royal Family was likewise a guest, the hostess would not have the right to present you without any desire on their part that she should do so.
HAPPY-GO-LUCKY - It would be better to defer your perusal of such books until you are old enough to understand their humorous character.
ESME - It is not usual to accept "valuable presents" from a man to whom you are not engaged; or, at least, whom you do not intend to accept should he offer you marriage. Consult your mother or guardian. If you accept the gift, he will regard it as an indication of your intentions to accept his offer of marriage. 2. A man who is "always speaking disparagingly of women's intellect," would not "make a good husband"; for two good reasons, viz - he is grossly ignorant of the very first principles of good breeding, in expressing such an opinion in the presence of any woman; and if so unmannerly before marriage, he would prove even less scrupulous after it. Secondly, he must be wilfully ignorant and prejudiced to express such an opinion/ face of the tests supplied by the recent competitive examinations of female students in every branch of literature, science, and art, in which they have attained to the highest standard ever reached by men.
Monday, 13 June 2016
7 August 1880 - Answers to Correspondents - Miscellaneous - and a Word from the Editor
A few of this week's Answers to Correspondents, and then the Editor lays down the new rules for said Corresponding lest we descend further into a Yahoo!Answers-sounding kind of hell.
DEWDROP - 1. We advise you to keep a little book and make notes of all you wish to do, in reference to your home duties. At the same time, endeavour to strengthen your memory. Do not submit yourself to what is familiarly called "wool-gathering," thinking of other things than the matter you have in hand. Give your whole attention to your duties while engaged in them. Try to collect your thoughts at those times in the day, when certain little duties devolve upon you. 2. If your young brothers need a hand at cricket, it would be ill-natured to refuse your assistance, but it is, otherwise, scarcely, a game for girls. We are much obliged to you for your appreciation of our paper.
MOSS ROSEBUD - 1. It is injurious to the eyes to read in bed. 2. It is not usual for such a little girl to wear rings.
DEADLY NIGHTSHADE goes to bed much too late for her age, and too late for the health of any one, old or young. Go to bed at nine o'clock, or a little past that hour, you will then have sufficient time for your devotions and ablutions, and attention to your hair; and yet be in bed by ten o'clock. You can then get up as the clock strikes seven, and be ready for breakfast at eight. The two hours preceding midnight afford what is called "beauty sleep."
ESTELLE - Always pay your own expenses, when you happen to be with any gentleman, merely a friend, or acquaintance.
NIGER - 1. We do not advise your cutting your eyelashes, you wear your spectacles too close to your eyes, which is likely to heat them. 2. When you wash with buttermilk, you should dry your face just as after washing with water. 3. We do not know what you mean by "a sewed work stool."
SNOWDROP - Such a grave question as that of marriage should be referred to your parents, or guardians, or minister. A difference off creed can always constitute an ample excuse for accepting a proposal without giving personal offence to any reasonable man. But if you have been imprudent, and have thoughtlessly given any encouragement to the hopes entertained, we can suggest no way by which you can escape the well-merited pain of "wounding the feelings" of one attached to you.
LUCY - We cannot prescribe for the prevention of growing of hair on the forehead, beyond advising you to brush it back.
TO OUR CORRESPONDENTS.
Our readers will, doubtless, have observed that more space than usual has lately been given to that departments of our paper called "Answers to Correspondents." This has, of course arisen from an increase in the number of letters received from the girls since the commencement of the magazine.
It must not be supposed, however, that these extra answers represent replies to all questions sent to us, as some of our correspondents seem to suppose. Indeed we regret to say that it is far otherwise, for every morning we receive letters answers to which would occupy more than half a weekly number.
It is, therefore, certain that many letters must remain unanswered.
Now with a view to fewer disappointments in the future, the editor wishes to say that no girl should ask more than two questions in one letter, and these should be sensible questions, clearly and briefly stated.
From this date, therefore, any letters containing more than two questions will be destroyed unanswered.
The correspondents should select initials or short and uncommon pseudonyms, avoiding "A Constant Reader," "A Lover of the G.O.P.," and other such hackneyed phrase. They should also refrain from calling themselves by such flattering names as "Fair Maid of Perth," etc., and from giving themselves the names of men.
Many letters are sent to us from various parts asking one and the same question. In this case we give one answer only, leaving the others to receive the information from that.
Of course, many questions are put to us, which, from an insufficient knowledge of various facts, we are totally unable to answer. Other letters, again, are frivolous, and prove the writers to possess an undue anxiety as to their personal appearance, as, for instance, questions on the complexion, figure, colour of the hair, etc. Such questions will, for the future, remain unanswered, as being contrary to the aims and objects of the paper.
It is therefore needless for girls to send us locks of hair and photographs for criticism.
When our girls need information that would be of real service, relating to education, domestic economy, work, recreation, and other subjects, we shall consider it a privilege to supply it, if it be in our power; and we shall also be heartily thankful to continue to give our counsel and advice to any anxious and troubled soul needing it; for, did we not say at the outset that we should "aim at being a counsellor, playmate, guardian, instructor, companion, and friend, and that we should help to prepare our readers for the responsibilities of womanhood and for a heavenly home"?
DEWDROP - 1. We advise you to keep a little book and make notes of all you wish to do, in reference to your home duties. At the same time, endeavour to strengthen your memory. Do not submit yourself to what is familiarly called "wool-gathering," thinking of other things than the matter you have in hand. Give your whole attention to your duties while engaged in them. Try to collect your thoughts at those times in the day, when certain little duties devolve upon you. 2. If your young brothers need a hand at cricket, it would be ill-natured to refuse your assistance, but it is, otherwise, scarcely, a game for girls. We are much obliged to you for your appreciation of our paper.
MOSS ROSEBUD - 1. It is injurious to the eyes to read in bed. 2. It is not usual for such a little girl to wear rings.
DEADLY NIGHTSHADE goes to bed much too late for her age, and too late for the health of any one, old or young. Go to bed at nine o'clock, or a little past that hour, you will then have sufficient time for your devotions and ablutions, and attention to your hair; and yet be in bed by ten o'clock. You can then get up as the clock strikes seven, and be ready for breakfast at eight. The two hours preceding midnight afford what is called "beauty sleep."
ESTELLE - Always pay your own expenses, when you happen to be with any gentleman, merely a friend, or acquaintance.
NIGER - 1. We do not advise your cutting your eyelashes, you wear your spectacles too close to your eyes, which is likely to heat them. 2. When you wash with buttermilk, you should dry your face just as after washing with water. 3. We do not know what you mean by "a sewed work stool."
SNOWDROP - Such a grave question as that of marriage should be referred to your parents, or guardians, or minister. A difference off creed can always constitute an ample excuse for accepting a proposal without giving personal offence to any reasonable man. But if you have been imprudent, and have thoughtlessly given any encouragement to the hopes entertained, we can suggest no way by which you can escape the well-merited pain of "wounding the feelings" of one attached to you.
LUCY - We cannot prescribe for the prevention of growing of hair on the forehead, beyond advising you to brush it back.
TO OUR CORRESPONDENTS.
Our readers will, doubtless, have observed that more space than usual has lately been given to that departments of our paper called "Answers to Correspondents." This has, of course arisen from an increase in the number of letters received from the girls since the commencement of the magazine.
It must not be supposed, however, that these extra answers represent replies to all questions sent to us, as some of our correspondents seem to suppose. Indeed we regret to say that it is far otherwise, for every morning we receive letters answers to which would occupy more than half a weekly number.
It is, therefore, certain that many letters must remain unanswered.
Now with a view to fewer disappointments in the future, the editor wishes to say that no girl should ask more than two questions in one letter, and these should be sensible questions, clearly and briefly stated.
From this date, therefore, any letters containing more than two questions will be destroyed unanswered.
The correspondents should select initials or short and uncommon pseudonyms, avoiding "A Constant Reader," "A Lover of the G.O.P.," and other such hackneyed phrase. They should also refrain from calling themselves by such flattering names as "Fair Maid of Perth," etc., and from giving themselves the names of men.
Many letters are sent to us from various parts asking one and the same question. In this case we give one answer only, leaving the others to receive the information from that.
Of course, many questions are put to us, which, from an insufficient knowledge of various facts, we are totally unable to answer. Other letters, again, are frivolous, and prove the writers to possess an undue anxiety as to their personal appearance, as, for instance, questions on the complexion, figure, colour of the hair, etc. Such questions will, for the future, remain unanswered, as being contrary to the aims and objects of the paper.
It is therefore needless for girls to send us locks of hair and photographs for criticism.
When our girls need information that would be of real service, relating to education, domestic economy, work, recreation, and other subjects, we shall consider it a privilege to supply it, if it be in our power; and we shall also be heartily thankful to continue to give our counsel and advice to any anxious and troubled soul needing it; for, did we not say at the outset that we should "aim at being a counsellor, playmate, guardian, instructor, companion, and friend, and that we should help to prepare our readers for the responsibilities of womanhood and for a heavenly home"?
Monday, 18 April 2016
22 May 1880 - Answers to Corresponents - Miscellaneous
MINNIE - Ladies do not accepts presents from gentlemen as a general rule, unless from near relatives or very old family friends. If there be any question of possible proposals of marriage, accept no present until engaged.
GRACE - The three balls of the pawnbrokers form part of the arms of the Dukes of Medici; from whose States, and from Lombardy, nearly all the early bankers came. These capitalists advanced money on valuable goods, and gradually became pawnbrokers. Hence the name Lombard-street, in the heart of the money-making part of the city, where these Lombards established themselves, and were the first moneylenders in England. The origin of the arms of the Medici is traced to the fact that they were doctors of medicine, and the balls were gilded pills; at the same time that they were amongst the richest merchants and money-lenders of Florence. In the first instance, the pills were blue, and were afterwards gilded - probably in reference to their dealings with gold.
MARIOTTA - You ma "leave off playing with dolls" when you can cut out and make all their clothes neatly and creditably for your age.
MABEL wants "a remedy for stopping decayed teeth."We advise her not to stop them, if doing so requires "a remedy." If, on the contrary, she requires a remedy for teeth *not stopped, we advise her to fill her teeth with a bit of soft wax, until she can go to a dentist and have it properly done.
HYACINTH - Do not attempt to "improve your figure" otherwise than by holding yourself well up, and resting your back when fatigued by lying down on a hard sofa.
AMABAL - 1. Your writing is peculiar which you evidently design it to be. 2. The first day of January became our New Year's day, legally, in the year 1752, in the reign of George II. England was the last amongst all European nations to adopt the change of the day from the 25th of March, which was the date of the commencement of the old Jewish year.
GRACE - The three balls of the pawnbrokers form part of the arms of the Dukes of Medici; from whose States, and from Lombardy, nearly all the early bankers came. These capitalists advanced money on valuable goods, and gradually became pawnbrokers. Hence the name Lombard-street, in the heart of the money-making part of the city, where these Lombards established themselves, and were the first moneylenders in England. The origin of the arms of the Medici is traced to the fact that they were doctors of medicine, and the balls were gilded pills; at the same time that they were amongst the richest merchants and money-lenders of Florence. In the first instance, the pills were blue, and were afterwards gilded - probably in reference to their dealings with gold.
MARIOTTA - You ma "leave off playing with dolls" when you can cut out and make all their clothes neatly and creditably for your age.
MABEL wants "a remedy for stopping decayed teeth."We advise her not to stop them, if doing so requires "a remedy." If, on the contrary, she requires a remedy for teeth *not stopped, we advise her to fill her teeth with a bit of soft wax, until she can go to a dentist and have it properly done.
HYACINTH - Do not attempt to "improve your figure" otherwise than by holding yourself well up, and resting your back when fatigued by lying down on a hard sofa.
AMABAL - 1. Your writing is peculiar which you evidently design it to be. 2. The first day of January became our New Year's day, legally, in the year 1752, in the reign of George II. England was the last amongst all European nations to adopt the change of the day from the 25th of March, which was the date of the commencement of the old Jewish year.
Wednesday, 9 March 2016
21 February 1880 - Answers to Correspondents - Miscellaneous
A COMPANION - Your question is too vague. If exercise be desired, no game is preferable to battledore and shuttlecock. If a sedentary recreation, try the arrangement of a scrap-covered screen.
MOUSIE - Home employments of a lucrative character are more difficult to discover than any others. We know of nothing to suit you, excepting orders for plain sewing or knitting. Your writing would be sufficiently good for copying, but there is little to be obtained in that line. WE do not charge for answers.
A. SOUL - Would it not be better to consult your geography instruction book under "Ireland" for the answer to such a question? Our time is too valuable to waste in sending answers to any inquirers that may find the information required in a geography, grammar, arithmetic, or history book; or any ordinary work of the school-room. If you cannot obtain information on any subject at home, we are very glad to give you our assistance
BRIGHTON - Try lemon juice and glycerine, mixed half and half, for your freckles, and wear a veil. If too strong for your skin, after a trial of it as above prescribed dilute it with rosewater.
DOROTHY - 1. To remove iron-mould from linen, wet the spot and lay the article on a hot-water plate, and drop a little essential oil or lemons upon it. When dry, wet again and drop the oil as before, keeping the water boiling hot in the plate. When the stain has faded out, wash the linen well to get rid of the acid and its injurious effects. 2. Jewellers' rouge, employed for cleaning gold and plate, is not that used as a cosmetic for the face. It is prepared by calcining precipitated sesquioxide of iron; and is much recommended by silversmiths; but if used twice a week, the plate would suffer considerable wear .We should certainly avoid rubbing it on a cut finger, or using it for the face, and much less should we allow a child to put it near its mouth. 3. A paste made of fine emery and sweet oil, or else a preparation of polishers' putty-powder mixed with a little oxalic acid, applied with water, should be rubbed on the rusty steel. Then wash, dry, and polish with a chamois leather.
SNOWDROP AND CROCUS may find a decoction of rosemary of much service in making their hair grow. But they should leave their eyelashes alone.
NELLY - Pray do not put to us such absurd questions. We decline to give advice to love-sick girls. Cultivate the qualities we point out in every number of this publication and you need not fear that in the future you may be "alone in the world". No woman true to God and to herself can ever be really so.
E.S.W. For weak ankles nothing is better support than well-fitting laced boots, without high heels. Weak ankles are very common, and no wonder. With the perversity common to their sex, ladies, plantigrades by nature, convert themselves into digitigrades by fashion, throw all the wonderful mechanism of the human foot out of gear, and then complain of their weak ankles, forsooth. As for skating, it is essentially a plantigrade accomplishment, the power being in the heel and not in the toe. Not feathered Mercury himself could skate in high-heeled boots. We think that as yet nothing has been produced equal to the club wooden skate, with a heel-strap, and a 7 or 8 feet radius. A person with weakened ankles will find the Acme very trying, in consequence of the leverage.
MOUSIE - Home employments of a lucrative character are more difficult to discover than any others. We know of nothing to suit you, excepting orders for plain sewing or knitting. Your writing would be sufficiently good for copying, but there is little to be obtained in that line. WE do not charge for answers.
A. SOUL - Would it not be better to consult your geography instruction book under "Ireland" for the answer to such a question? Our time is too valuable to waste in sending answers to any inquirers that may find the information required in a geography, grammar, arithmetic, or history book; or any ordinary work of the school-room. If you cannot obtain information on any subject at home, we are very glad to give you our assistance
BRIGHTON - Try lemon juice and glycerine, mixed half and half, for your freckles, and wear a veil. If too strong for your skin, after a trial of it as above prescribed dilute it with rosewater.
DOROTHY - 1. To remove iron-mould from linen, wet the spot and lay the article on a hot-water plate, and drop a little essential oil or lemons upon it. When dry, wet again and drop the oil as before, keeping the water boiling hot in the plate. When the stain has faded out, wash the linen well to get rid of the acid and its injurious effects. 2. Jewellers' rouge, employed for cleaning gold and plate, is not that used as a cosmetic for the face. It is prepared by calcining precipitated sesquioxide of iron; and is much recommended by silversmiths; but if used twice a week, the plate would suffer considerable wear .We should certainly avoid rubbing it on a cut finger, or using it for the face, and much less should we allow a child to put it near its mouth. 3. A paste made of fine emery and sweet oil, or else a preparation of polishers' putty-powder mixed with a little oxalic acid, applied with water, should be rubbed on the rusty steel. Then wash, dry, and polish with a chamois leather.
SNOWDROP AND CROCUS may find a decoction of rosemary of much service in making their hair grow. But they should leave their eyelashes alone.
NELLY - Pray do not put to us such absurd questions. We decline to give advice to love-sick girls. Cultivate the qualities we point out in every number of this publication and you need not fear that in the future you may be "alone in the world". No woman true to God and to herself can ever be really so.
E.S.W. For weak ankles nothing is better support than well-fitting laced boots, without high heels. Weak ankles are very common, and no wonder. With the perversity common to their sex, ladies, plantigrades by nature, convert themselves into digitigrades by fashion, throw all the wonderful mechanism of the human foot out of gear, and then complain of their weak ankles, forsooth. As for skating, it is essentially a plantigrade accomplishment, the power being in the heel and not in the toe. Not feathered Mercury himself could skate in high-heeled boots. We think that as yet nothing has been produced equal to the club wooden skate, with a heel-strap, and a 7 or 8 feet radius. A person with weakened ankles will find the Acme very trying, in consequence of the leverage.
Tuesday, 29 December 2015
20 August 1887 - Answers to Correspondents - Miscellaneous
A lot of snark and boy troubles this month.
POOR JANE: - All our readers of Answers to Correspondents know very well that we make no invidious distinctions between the upper classes and the poor. You have certainly no cause for complaint, since we answered your first letter at once. The tone of this second letter is impertinent, in suggesting that perhaps we shall not reply "because you are poor". You are mistaken in thinking that the use of a "J" pen will make you "write like a lady". Write careful copies with any pen you like. We do not care to advertise books on palmistry.
E.G.A.C.B.: - How many initials you need for identification! The rule is for the lady to bow first, and then the man to take off his hat. There is no occasion for stopping to speak in the street; far better not to do so.
ELEANOR M.E.:- You might do so in private, and it would give pleasure. But you do well in pausing to ask advice in such matters.
SIS WIN:- No girl at seventeen should be liable to forget herself in saying or doing what is indiscreet. She should not be so taken by surprise by words or acts of others as to be betrayed into making unwise confidences, nor consenting to unsuitable proposals. If self-possessed, she will be armed against indiscretion. Your writing is stiff - does not slope the right way.
WHITE HEATHER:- It is said "Doctors differ, and patients die"; so we do not desire to render "confusion worse confounded" in your case, which appears to have proved a bone of contention amongst your advisers so far. Your person and circumstances are quite unknown to us, and we could not venture to solve the difficult question. Getting all your teeth extracted seems to us like horse practice.
ELIZABETH B:- On no account marry any man that you neither have nor feel confidence in his late improvement in conduct. If the very thought of marrying him makes you ill, and you are not strong, do not be persuaded to do so. No parent has any right natural or legal to force a child into a marriage against her inclination. Tell your mistress all your trouble, and remain in your situation. You would be quite justified in going away unknown, if you had any respectable place to go to, and that were your only way of escape. In any case, even when in the church you can say "No!" when the clergyman asks you whether you will have the man. Tell your case to a magistrate and ask for his protection.
TROUBLED SIS: It is not only indiscreet, but wrong, to correspond with any man other than with him to whom you are engaged; more especially when he had the audacity to put you "on your honour not to show the letters" and presumes to address you as "Darling Sis!" Of course your affianced husband has a right to see the letters of any man who writes to you. His chatting in a friendly way, or even flirting with a lady friend, does not justify you in doing the same. If he does wrong, why should you follow suit? Be off with the old love before you are on with the new.
HAMLET:- You need to be taught to ride a tricycle and to wear a suitable dress that will not be entangled in the wheels. Under other circumstances it would be dangerous to ride one.
LIZZIE LANDSDOWNE should make rosemary tea just as she would make drinking tea, or sage tea for application to a sunburnt face.
J.H.:- WE do not think you could teach, or rather un-teach your bird its present habit of taking its bath without a companion to give it a lesson. Of course it would not understand how to begin.
IVY LEAF must find something useful and interesting to think about. An idle mind will naturally dream and wander like a rudderless ship. The cure depends on her own will.
A.B.C. has no idea of versification.
ONE OF THE GIRLS:- Your lines show religious feeling, not genius.
GERTRUDE M. DUTTRY:- The lines have some merits, but the handwriting is extremely hard to decipher, and also ugly.
MARIE STUART:- We advise our taking more exercise, leaving off tea and coffee, and stimulants if you take them. Take cocoa instead, also fruit cooked and uncooked, and cultivate happiness in yourself; it will grow if you really begin to see the bright side of life.
F.M.T.W.:- The person who wrote your quotation must have been ignorant and foolish to the last degree; the Coronation Stone, even for its antiquity and association, is an interesting and wonderful relic.
SPRING FLOWERS:- The composition you send to us for insertion is of the usual schoolgirl kind. By-and-by you may do better, and achieve some originality of thought.
HELEN:- It is anything but "the beauty of the hair to be so greasy"! Wash it once a week, and keep it thoroughly brushed daily, using clean brushes perpetually.
POOR JANE: - All our readers of Answers to Correspondents know very well that we make no invidious distinctions between the upper classes and the poor. You have certainly no cause for complaint, since we answered your first letter at once. The tone of this second letter is impertinent, in suggesting that perhaps we shall not reply "because you are poor". You are mistaken in thinking that the use of a "J" pen will make you "write like a lady". Write careful copies with any pen you like. We do not care to advertise books on palmistry.
E.G.A.C.B.: - How many initials you need for identification! The rule is for the lady to bow first, and then the man to take off his hat. There is no occasion for stopping to speak in the street; far better not to do so.
ELEANOR M.E.:- You might do so in private, and it would give pleasure. But you do well in pausing to ask advice in such matters.
SIS WIN:- No girl at seventeen should be liable to forget herself in saying or doing what is indiscreet. She should not be so taken by surprise by words or acts of others as to be betrayed into making unwise confidences, nor consenting to unsuitable proposals. If self-possessed, she will be armed against indiscretion. Your writing is stiff - does not slope the right way.
WHITE HEATHER:- It is said "Doctors differ, and patients die"; so we do not desire to render "confusion worse confounded" in your case, which appears to have proved a bone of contention amongst your advisers so far. Your person and circumstances are quite unknown to us, and we could not venture to solve the difficult question. Getting all your teeth extracted seems to us like horse practice.
ELIZABETH B:- On no account marry any man that you neither have nor feel confidence in his late improvement in conduct. If the very thought of marrying him makes you ill, and you are not strong, do not be persuaded to do so. No parent has any right natural or legal to force a child into a marriage against her inclination. Tell your mistress all your trouble, and remain in your situation. You would be quite justified in going away unknown, if you had any respectable place to go to, and that were your only way of escape. In any case, even when in the church you can say "No!" when the clergyman asks you whether you will have the man. Tell your case to a magistrate and ask for his protection.
TROUBLED SIS: It is not only indiscreet, but wrong, to correspond with any man other than with him to whom you are engaged; more especially when he had the audacity to put you "on your honour not to show the letters" and presumes to address you as "Darling Sis!" Of course your affianced husband has a right to see the letters of any man who writes to you. His chatting in a friendly way, or even flirting with a lady friend, does not justify you in doing the same. If he does wrong, why should you follow suit? Be off with the old love before you are on with the new.
HAMLET:- You need to be taught to ride a tricycle and to wear a suitable dress that will not be entangled in the wheels. Under other circumstances it would be dangerous to ride one.
LIZZIE LANDSDOWNE should make rosemary tea just as she would make drinking tea, or sage tea for application to a sunburnt face.
J.H.:- WE do not think you could teach, or rather un-teach your bird its present habit of taking its bath without a companion to give it a lesson. Of course it would not understand how to begin.
IVY LEAF must find something useful and interesting to think about. An idle mind will naturally dream and wander like a rudderless ship. The cure depends on her own will.
A.B.C. has no idea of versification.
ONE OF THE GIRLS:- Your lines show religious feeling, not genius.
GERTRUDE M. DUTTRY:- The lines have some merits, but the handwriting is extremely hard to decipher, and also ugly.
MARIE STUART:- We advise our taking more exercise, leaving off tea and coffee, and stimulants if you take them. Take cocoa instead, also fruit cooked and uncooked, and cultivate happiness in yourself; it will grow if you really begin to see the bright side of life.
F.M.T.W.:- The person who wrote your quotation must have been ignorant and foolish to the last degree; the Coronation Stone, even for its antiquity and association, is an interesting and wonderful relic.
SPRING FLOWERS:- The composition you send to us for insertion is of the usual schoolgirl kind. By-and-by you may do better, and achieve some originality of thought.
HELEN:- It is anything but "the beauty of the hair to be so greasy"! Wash it once a week, and keep it thoroughly brushed daily, using clean brushes perpetually.
Monday, 26 May 2014
15 March 1884 - Answers to Correspondents - Miscellaneous
It's kind of like Jeopardy!, isn't it. The questions themselves are anybody's guess.
D.P. – Certainly; no one, employer or not, has the smallest right to take possession of another person’s private letters, whether picked up in their house or obtained by other means, and whether with or without her knowledge. It is possible that, under certain peculiar circumstances, such as the recognition of a son’s writing and discovery of a clandestine correspondence with one enjoying their confidence, thus dishonourably abused, they might be tempted to act in a manner equally dishonourable on their part. But this betrayal of their confidence confers no legal right on them to steal or read the letters. Their proper course would be to present them unopened and unread to the governess, and to say that the writing outside being recognised, they must request, for the sake of the mutual regard between all parties, that an explanation be given. But either to read, to retain, or to obtain any letter “privately” would be highly reprehensible. But we are only suggesting exceptional circumstances. In your case you should write and say that “a third application proving fruitless, you would be reluctantly obliged to take legal prgs”. This you could do by sending them a lawyer’s letter, for which they would be charged 6s. 8d. each time.
TAFFY – We consider £25 the least salary that could reasonably be offered you, and £30 more in proportion to all that you had to do. But we warn you not to give up a home, if otherwise satisfactory, at your early age, unless very certain of securing one as agreeable at a higher salary. Clergymen are often unable to give much beyond a home, where all meet on equal terms, and live together. A certificate for a short term of residence does not carry much weight. We recommend patience.
AUTUMNA – It is not at all necessary that you should thank your hostess for “a most agreeable evening” if it have been a particularly dull one. Give her a pleasant smile, and do not let her see any look of dissatisfaction. Nor is there any reason why you should give any opinion of the prettiness of a baby. Smile at it, and take its little hand, and give kind looks at it, which will obviate any apparent obligation to tell stories. As to a picture, to give no opinion is unfavourable. Ask some question instead, or remark on the picturesqueness of the view instead of speaking of the workmanship. To remove the inkstain from the white marble, try cream of tartar and salts of sorrel, one ounce of each; mix well, and keep in a stoppered bottle.
GIPSY – To marry at seventeen would be very unwise. A girl should be in the schoolroom at that age and when introduced into such society as that to which her parents belong, she should wait for two or three years at least – so as to make more acquaintances and have a choice – before taking so serious a step in her life as marriage. The young recruit sees little more than the becoming uniform, the delights of travel, and the inspiring drum and fife and military band. Just so the raw, inexperienced schoolgirl contemplates the trousseau, the fete and wedding presents, and the dignity of being a matron over a household of her own. And so both rush blindly into anxieties, pains and penalties, of which neither had previously formed any idea. To “stick to a fellow, although all the world would be against him” may be praiseworthy in a wife, but would be an evidence of a very headstrong, perhaps undutiful, girl – wanting in commonsense, under any other circumstances.
“THE MOST MISERABLE GIRL THAT EVER LIVED” – is the name adopted by a little girl only just brought into association with older people. She feels shy, and has not been so raised as to feel otherwise than awkward and out of her place. We doubt that her condition, painful as it is, could justify our shy little friend’s claim to such a name.
QUANDUM – It is very vulgar to say “beg pardon” and the phrase does not mean what the speaker intends. It means “I beg your pardon” instead of which, by omitting the “I”, he commends you to beg his! When anyone thus desires you to excuse any accidental unpoliteness on their part, you should reply “Pray do not mention it” or “Thank you, it is of no consequence”, or “Not at all!”; “No harm is done, thank you!”
A PAISLEY CAT – is informed that we do not answer impudent letters, and hers is consigned to the wastepaper basket on this account.
D.P. – Certainly; no one, employer or not, has the smallest right to take possession of another person’s private letters, whether picked up in their house or obtained by other means, and whether with or without her knowledge. It is possible that, under certain peculiar circumstances, such as the recognition of a son’s writing and discovery of a clandestine correspondence with one enjoying their confidence, thus dishonourably abused, they might be tempted to act in a manner equally dishonourable on their part. But this betrayal of their confidence confers no legal right on them to steal or read the letters. Their proper course would be to present them unopened and unread to the governess, and to say that the writing outside being recognised, they must request, for the sake of the mutual regard between all parties, that an explanation be given. But either to read, to retain, or to obtain any letter “privately” would be highly reprehensible. But we are only suggesting exceptional circumstances. In your case you should write and say that “a third application proving fruitless, you would be reluctantly obliged to take legal prgs”. This you could do by sending them a lawyer’s letter, for which they would be charged 6s. 8d. each time.
TAFFY – We consider £25 the least salary that could reasonably be offered you, and £30 more in proportion to all that you had to do. But we warn you not to give up a home, if otherwise satisfactory, at your early age, unless very certain of securing one as agreeable at a higher salary. Clergymen are often unable to give much beyond a home, where all meet on equal terms, and live together. A certificate for a short term of residence does not carry much weight. We recommend patience.
AUTUMNA – It is not at all necessary that you should thank your hostess for “a most agreeable evening” if it have been a particularly dull one. Give her a pleasant smile, and do not let her see any look of dissatisfaction. Nor is there any reason why you should give any opinion of the prettiness of a baby. Smile at it, and take its little hand, and give kind looks at it, which will obviate any apparent obligation to tell stories. As to a picture, to give no opinion is unfavourable. Ask some question instead, or remark on the picturesqueness of the view instead of speaking of the workmanship. To remove the inkstain from the white marble, try cream of tartar and salts of sorrel, one ounce of each; mix well, and keep in a stoppered bottle.
GIPSY – To marry at seventeen would be very unwise. A girl should be in the schoolroom at that age and when introduced into such society as that to which her parents belong, she should wait for two or three years at least – so as to make more acquaintances and have a choice – before taking so serious a step in her life as marriage. The young recruit sees little more than the becoming uniform, the delights of travel, and the inspiring drum and fife and military band. Just so the raw, inexperienced schoolgirl contemplates the trousseau, the fete and wedding presents, and the dignity of being a matron over a household of her own. And so both rush blindly into anxieties, pains and penalties, of which neither had previously formed any idea. To “stick to a fellow, although all the world would be against him” may be praiseworthy in a wife, but would be an evidence of a very headstrong, perhaps undutiful, girl – wanting in commonsense, under any other circumstances.
“THE MOST MISERABLE GIRL THAT EVER LIVED” – is the name adopted by a little girl only just brought into association with older people. She feels shy, and has not been so raised as to feel otherwise than awkward and out of her place. We doubt that her condition, painful as it is, could justify our shy little friend’s claim to such a name.
QUANDUM – It is very vulgar to say “beg pardon” and the phrase does not mean what the speaker intends. It means “I beg your pardon” instead of which, by omitting the “I”, he commends you to beg his! When anyone thus desires you to excuse any accidental unpoliteness on their part, you should reply “Pray do not mention it” or “Thank you, it is of no consequence”, or “Not at all!”; “No harm is done, thank you!”
A PAISLEY CAT – is informed that we do not answer impudent letters, and hers is consigned to the wastepaper basket on this account.
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
16 February 1901 - Answers to Correspondents - Miscellaneous
KATHERINE:- What are now called "transformations" cost from three to five guineas, and are really wigs, but so improved in every way and lightened that they are easy to put on and manage. They should be made of naturally curly hair, and, if made for the wearer at a good hairdresser's, should be delightful wear. We know several people who use them, but they find they need two, and also a stand upon which to dress them. They should also be sent back to the hairdresser's every few months. If your hair is only getting thin at the parting, why not try a different style of hair-dressing and do away with the parting?
T.I.F.:- Dear little girl of sixteen, you are far too young to be worrying yourself about engagements and lovers. Make up your mind not to think of them before you are five and twenty, and enjoy your beautiful youth. Besides, what about school and lessons, and making yourself valuable as a woman and to be a companion to anyone? We do not think you need be in such a dreadful fuss about your young man and his "broken heart". It is wonderful how much it takes to break one, and how little to mend it, and how soon youth recovers. There is nothing so unwise as these early marriages, and, alas! they are far too common.
F.A.T.:- Your writing, if not elegant, is very legible. Of course, in the highest ranks of society writing backwards is considered vulgar, at any rate, for women. This you could alter with a little practice.
ELAINE:- The invitations are issued in the names of your parents, to the church, and afterwards to the house. Unless there are a great number present, it is best to lay out the afternoon tea on the dining-table, pushing the latter up to the wall, so as to give more room. Provide tea, coffee, or iced coffee-cakes, and ices if possible. The wedding-cake should be in the centre of the table and the bride should cut it, or at least make an incision, when the tea is ready. The bride usually goes upstairs to change her gown before the tea is over, and the married pair leave in about half an hour or an hour. WE do not think you could do it more simply than this, and the expense of the tea would not be great.
T.I.F.:- Dear little girl of sixteen, you are far too young to be worrying yourself about engagements and lovers. Make up your mind not to think of them before you are five and twenty, and enjoy your beautiful youth. Besides, what about school and lessons, and making yourself valuable as a woman and to be a companion to anyone? We do not think you need be in such a dreadful fuss about your young man and his "broken heart". It is wonderful how much it takes to break one, and how little to mend it, and how soon youth recovers. There is nothing so unwise as these early marriages, and, alas! they are far too common.
F.A.T.:- Your writing, if not elegant, is very legible. Of course, in the highest ranks of society writing backwards is considered vulgar, at any rate, for women. This you could alter with a little practice.
ELAINE:- The invitations are issued in the names of your parents, to the church, and afterwards to the house. Unless there are a great number present, it is best to lay out the afternoon tea on the dining-table, pushing the latter up to the wall, so as to give more room. Provide tea, coffee, or iced coffee-cakes, and ices if possible. The wedding-cake should be in the centre of the table and the bride should cut it, or at least make an incision, when the tea is ready. The bride usually goes upstairs to change her gown before the tea is over, and the married pair leave in about half an hour or an hour. WE do not think you could do it more simply than this, and the expense of the tea would not be great.
Friday, 25 October 2013
17 December 1892 - Answers to Correspondents - Miscellaneous
"IN LOVE":- The fancy of a little girl of fourteen could not be regarded in the light of the sobriquet she has selected. Is there no "amusement" for you but "going out with a fellow"? Have you no girl companions approved of by your mother? Are there no interesting books, no indoor and outdoor games, no delightful pursuits for leisure hours? You ought to be much occupied with your studies, so far as we can judge from your modes of expression, preparatory for your entering some business or clerkship. Some of your time should be devoted to your mother and sisters, if you have any. Trapesing about the streets with a "fellow" at the age of fourteen is a deplorable beginning in life.
OCTAVO:- To "play gooseberry" means to make a third, for respectability's sake (in lieu of a chaperon), when a girl walks out with or receives her lover at home. A person who has the toil and trouble of gethering a fruit protected by innumerable thorns - or goosebery-picker - for the delectation of others is selected to represent the friend who kindly makes a third, and accepts the dullest of positions to do a service to another. The name chaperon is that of the mantle worn by Spanish duennas, with which they are supposed to cover and shield the young girls under their care. Your second question has been frequently answered in our correspondence column.
OCTAVO:- To "play gooseberry" means to make a third, for respectability's sake (in lieu of a chaperon), when a girl walks out with or receives her lover at home. A person who has the toil and trouble of gethering a fruit protected by innumerable thorns - or goosebery-picker - for the delectation of others is selected to represent the friend who kindly makes a third, and accepts the dullest of positions to do a service to another. The name chaperon is that of the mantle worn by Spanish duennas, with which they are supposed to cover and shield the young girls under their care. Your second question has been frequently answered in our correspondence column.
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