matter, blondes
especially appeal to the men of the south on account of their rarity.

Large, dreamy blue eyes, fair and soft skin, dainty features, slender
figure, such are the characteristics of the blonde which help to make
her the ideal young girl; but there is another beauty besides that of
the young girl, it is the beauty of the full-grown woman of thirty to
forty, a beauty that you will find oftener in the brunette than in the
blonde, a beauty more piquant, more solid, and more lasting; but I know
brunettes of thirty who are _passees_, and blondes of forty who are
beautiful. You cannot lay down any rule.

Did I hear you ask me which I prefer? How can you ask such a question?
How can any man answer it? Good light sauterne is an exquisite wine;
full-bodied Burgundy is a most excellent beverage.

I like both.

* * * * *

It is not every woman who can afford to be a blonde. If I were a rich
woman of leisure, I think I would ask to be a blonde. The blonde
requires much more care than the brunette. She has to avoid exposure,
and her beauty will last only as long as her appearance remains
youthful. The brunette does not suffer from exposure; on the contrary,
the sun improves her beauty as it does peaches.

In northern countries you very seldom see a pretty woman among the
working classes; they are faded, wrinkled or freckled, and lack
expression.

In Italy and Spain you see, in the streets, flower-girls and
fruit-sellers who could have given sittings to Raphael and Murillo.

But I will tell you what I like, although you do not ask me, and that
is a blonde with brown eyes or, better still, a fine, tall brunette
with dark-blue eyes and the fine delicate skin of a blonde; and, if you
want to see the latter, go to Ireland, you will find her there in
plenty.

CHAPTER XXXIV

FLIRTS AND COQUETTES

The difference between the two--Points of resemblance.

There is a great difference between the flirt and the coquette. The
flirt accepts, even invites, your attentions, without expecting
intentions. The coquette is a woman who gives you a promissory note
with a firm intention of dishonouring her signature. Just as the prude
often says No when she means Yes, the coquette whispers Yes all the
time meaning No. The flirt promises nothing. She has nothing to refuse,
because she does not allow you to ask for anything. She does not
compromise herself in any way. She says