THE LADIES’ WORLD

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2553, 14 July 1909, Page 3

THE LADIES’ WORLD

SOS AllT Oi'j .rAo. I.N.VJ lON

That “beauty is blit skin deep’’,, like many another time-honored adage, As untrue, 'for a smooth, delicately colored skin is evidence; ox good respiration and digestion, just as a lino figure indicates development b- f wholesome exercise and diet. And yet these are mere/ surface qualities. The highest form of material beauty is that of ’expression— < the. reflection, of inward graces, which' frequently transfuse a plain luce into one that is more winning than the combination of perfect features, with a radiant complexion and briihan't eyes. If more young girls who' believe that they are woefully 1 netting ini. beauty, could be brought to realise 1 this fact, they would not persist in making martyrs of themselves and their nearest of kin, but would earnestly strive to develop whatever latent mental attractions may exist. It is in this respect that the power of mind over matter is most clearly demonstrated, for the effect which intellect sometimes has upon re-moulding and re-chi selling of the features' is marvellous. Vu.v lfislmess and self control are distinctly reflected on some- faces formerly marred by illtemper and egotism, and on others vacancy and insipidity have gi ven place to energy and determination, thus making dull eyes bright, the coarse mouth sensitive, and the heavy chin delicate. Every girl who is wasting valuable time, and, perhaps, secretb- shedding disfiguring tears in deploring her plain set of features, may console herself with the reflection that to the thoughtful portion of society real beauty of countenance means the reflection of a sweet soul. To attain this charm she should strive to cultivate the. virtue of contentment, and always remember that no woman can have an attractive expression unless she has a mind that is at peace with itself and the world. The plain looking girl who wishes to appear attractive should not he aggressive in manner, for that lends a hard expression to the features as well as to the voice. Moreover, the habit of thought usually becomes so firmly fixed that the feminine person who “does not mean to allow any human being to impose upon her,” or “is perfectly .able to stand up for her own rights against the entire world” is prone to persistent argument by the time she is thirty years of age, and at forty quite likely to have developed such quarrelsome propensities that she will be systematically avoided. Mere beauty of cuticle, features and figure is'as nothing compared to that indescribable charm familiarly referred to as “fascination” and “personality,” which is really the principal attribute of some of the most noted of modern beauties. It is more enduring than any physical grace, because it includes the art of making less favored beings temporarily forget their snortcomings and appreciate whatever attractions they themselves may possess. The real secret of “personality” or “fascination” is to be traced to the tactful courtesy of a kind heart, and that quality mustralways be reflected upon the features! Investigators assure us that Cleopatra and Helen of Troy were probably not start-, ling \beauties at any period of their respective careers, and certainly neither lady was in the first flush of her youth, when she materially aided in the making of history. But we may be sure that tlieir faces possessed the charm of a pleasant expression, for no man lias ever counted life or reputation well lost for the sake of a sour visaged woman. HOUSEHOLD HINTS. Washing . Furniture. —For washing furniture, take two quarts fc>f soft water, add to this one teaspoonful of baking soda. Wash the furniture with a piece of cheesecloth, tlion rub dry with a dry piece. Apuly furniture polish. /To Clean a■ Velvet Hat.—To clean a velvet hat which lias become spotted from, rain or' snow, steam the whole surface so as to make the shade even. The velvet looks darker at first, but will become lighter when it reaches the air. Do not brush the velvet before steaming. Thread Can’t Knot.—Knot _ your thread at the end you break it off your spool, and you will find it will not knot while sewing. To Clean Brass. —Pour strong ammonia on it. then scrub well with a brush, rinse in cold water, and polish with a soft, dry cloth. Lacquered brass should he washed occasionally with warm, so a--- water, and then dried with a cloth and polished with a dry chamois skin. To Clean Windows.—To give windows a brilliant polish it will bo found a good plan to add a couple of tablespoonfuls of paraffin oil to a bucket of cold water; mix well and wash the windows over witk a snonge which has been squeezed our of the water. Dry them and polish with a soft cloth. Polishing Steel.—Half the work of polishing steel can be saved by first rubbing the diamond surface with a flannel dipped in vinegar. Another semi-scientific truth which is ignored by most parlormaids is the fact .that glass stoppers can be prevented 'from adhering to the necks of decanters if, when, put away after lunch or dinner, they are given a half turn.