ne of our
great ladies. In mind, form, and feature, she was a remarkable person,
and her manners were most sweet and fascinating. She was a frequent
guest at my palace. I delighted in her discourse on the rare occasions
when my occupations gave me the opportunity of conversation.

Gratitude to her benefactor had given rise to a deep affection.
Observing this I told her that the peculiarity of my position, and the
necessity for completing my great work, had decided me not to marry, and
that the affection of a friend was all that I could give her. Marry, I
said, and I will always watch over you. Had I married, she would have
been my choice. In obedience to my wishes, she allowed the "marriage
choice meeting" to be called. She was so beautiful and engaging that the
number of competitors was far beyond that required to complete the
meeting. The suitors selected were the most promising young men in the
city, and held the highest positions, but all the three several marriage
meetings remained without result, except to confirm her resolution not
to marry.

By our laws every woman, however high in rank, who elects to remain
single, is obliged to follow a calling adapted to her capacity and
inclination. This interesting person possessed a peculiar talent for
inventing and improving ciphers for telegraphic correspondence. This
talent was turned to account. She was also entrusted with the
superintendence and examination of the reports made by those charged
with the instruction of the clerks engaged in the telegraph department,
and proved superior in every important quality to any of the men
occupied in similar pursuits.

XXX.

DECORATIONS FOR AGE AND MERIT.

"...The gate of future success, honours, and riches is always open
to you."

The ornaments, of which I have before spoken, are independent of
decorations worn by women as distinctive marks of age; for the age of a
woman entitles her to peculiar privileges above others younger than
herself, and her decorations are so worn, that these privileges may be
at once recognised. At the end of every five of our years, she is
entitled to a decoration indicative of her age, and the mode in which
the last five years have been passed. Strange as it may appear to you,
with whom old age is associated with feebleness, loss of beauty, and
decayed powers--it is by our ladies looked upon as a privilege, of which
all are very jealous. If such a thing were possible, it