ive without at least this much provision for an
essential condition of civilized life--"the cleanliness that is next to
godliness."
In addition to the water supply, the guest-room should contain other
requisites for a comfortable toilet. Presumably, every guest who comes
for a several-days' stay brings with her the small articles she will
need; but oversights are frequent in hurried packing, and the resources
of the guest-room should be equal to any such emergency, even though
only a part of the provision is required in any one case. A neat,
close cabinet, with a closet beneath and shelves above, is a desirable
piece of furniture. In the closet the bath-tub can be stored, and
bath-brushes, "loofahs," and sponges can be hung up while the shelves
may hold a supply of toilet sundries; for example, a flask of bay rum,
and one of violet-water; a bottle of spirits of ammonia, a bottle of
alcohol, a spirit lamp and curling tongs, tooth-powder, rosewater, and
glycerine; a jar of fine cold-cream, hair-brush and combs, a
clothes-brush, a whisk broom, a reserve supply of soap--"Ivory" (if the
water is hard, this soap is superior for the bath) and fine castile,
and a delicately-scented soap of first quality. The cheap "scented"
abominations should not be inflicted on a guest.
The dressing-table should have a supply of pins in variety, including
hairpins; a work-box, containing needles and thread, a thimble,
scissors, tape, shoe-buttons, etc. A bottle of cologne and also of
some first-class "triple extract" should stand on the bureau.
With all this provided, one is not likely to lack any comfort for the
toilet; yet, with it all, the hostess should make her guest understand
that the motto is: "If you don't see what you want, ask for it." This
freedom will not be taken by a sensitive guest unless it is clearly
invited. The self-complacent way in which a hostess sometimes ushers a
guest into the "best room," and then leaves her to the mercy of what
she can find--or, rather, _cannot_ find--forestalls all requests for
additional supplies. In the midst of all the satin and lace flummery,
it is pathetic to suffer in silence for the lack of a little beggarly
hot water. And yet, such is the experience of many an "honored guest."
Beside the toilet comforts, there are other things that may well be
added to the equipment of the guest-room. One, in particular, is a
well-appointed little writing-desk, containing all the requisite
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