At these meetings the girl wears a peculiar headdress with a star in
front, to distinguish her from other ladies who are allowed to be
present, but who however are expected not to pay court to the gentlemen.
It would have been unreasonable to require the exercise of so much self
denial under the old system, but an acquisition of the power of self
denial forms part of the training prescribed by my system of education,
and is now ordinarily practised when needed. This privilege of being
present is highly prized and eagerly sought by ladies, if only for one
of the thirty-one chosen evenings.

The gentlemen who wish to have their pretensions favourably viewed, pay
court to the young maiden of the star, and any gentleman who it is
thought may prove agreeable can be called by the lady of the council,
one of whom is always seated near the girl.

On occasions when some of the gentlemen present would rather not be
amongst the aspirants, it is amusing to see them retire behind the
others, hoping to escape without offence against the rules of good
breeding. Should one of these be called by the lady superior, he will
probably give himself awkward airs, and endeavour to be as little
engaging as possible. The maiden generally looks modest and blushing,
and needs the assistance of the lady superior, who is not unfrequently
obliged to represent her in conversation.

Before a week has elapsed the maiden of the star has generally intimated
by look, who is likely to be the selected one. Sometimes, however, she
is fickle, and when one, encouraged by her expressive glance, has paid
her court, she will encourage another and another, and another,--for on
these occasions she has full liberty of action.

It is amusing to see the efforts of pretenders, and the expression put
on, whilst overwhelming the lady with amiabilities when her thoughts and
perhaps her glances lie in another direction. She in turn may be obliged
to use all her power to attract the one she desires to select. If she be
a coquette, each one of many will think that he himself is the fortunate
swain on whom her choice will fall. The doubts existing in these
instances cause great excitement and amusement, and between the meetings
pearls against rubies, diamonds against diamonds, and other precious
stones are staked on the event.

Great is the agitation on the thirty-first evening, when the maiden is
expected to declare on whom her choice has fallen. She proclaims it by
p