such boldness, and such
determination to carry one's heart by storm."

Nor will her own sex be sparing in their reproaches of one left in a
single state, after so many, and such ineffectual, efforts to change it.
The modest lady pities, and blushes for, a sister thus regardless of
proprieties. Her companions, successful by their very neglect to toil
for success, will doubtless apply to her, and with some pungency, the
epithet of "old maid." Ought she to repine at the fruit of her own
indiscretion and folly?

Far different is the estimate usually formed of her who, by unforeseen
and inevitable circumstances, or by a wise preference, continues single.
Such cannot fail of being generally respected in society. That they are
thus situated is perceived to be no fault of theirs, but, at most, a
misfortune. In a multitude of these instances a young woman shall be
the more respected for remaining unmarried. It argues a moral
independence, a regard not only for her immediate happiness, but for her
personal character, which cannot fail to excite, in all candid and
generous minds, a true admiration.

There are several traits characteristic, in some degree, of what is
termed an "old maid," that are in reality to be ranked among the higher
Virtues.

Such persons are usually marked by their Humanity. Not being exclusively
devoted to one individual, or one small circle of individuals, they find
objects of interest everywhere around them. She who retains her
cheerfulness in this state, is often an invaluable friend among the
sick, and the suffering poor. She has leisure to follow out her kind
impulses. They are not contracted to a single sphere, but wherever she
can go and do good, thither her steps hasten. Even the inferior creation
share her attentions. There is many an eye, not radiant with reason, nor
accompanied by the powers of speech, that is yet eloquent in praise of
her kindness.

Single women are usually adorned with Modesty. Some may court publicity,
and pant for the forum, or the pulpit, but they are the few. Most ladies
of this class are graced by a retiring manner, and quiet habits, and a
gentle address. These traits we all prize in woman. Even in their
excess, though they have virtually caused an individual to be single,
they still have attendant advantages. They are certainly an ornament to
the character, giving new lustre to what we, perhaps with difficulty,
discovered beneath them.

Economy is another character