e of an ignorance of the
world; sometimes from the illusion of very strong affections; and again,
from the unworthy practice of certain young men, who delight in exciting
and trifling with the feelings of the opposite sex. Let the cause be
what it may, nothing more exposes a lady to ridicule. Such extreme and
manifest sensitiveness provokes the trifler to fresh follies. The
sensible are disgusted by it; and she, who thus indulges her
imagination, is sowing the wind, and will reap the whirlwind. Sorrow,
regret, and disappointment await her.

In regard to "behavior to gentlemen," I do not think set rules and forms
are needful. Where the heart is duly controlled, and the understanding
cultivated, and fancy a servant not mistress of the soul, the deportment
will be spontaneously right, and commendable. Then all may safely be
trusted to nature. The manners will be the expression of gentleness,
mingled with firmness.

Two errors, however, are so prevalent in some circles, as to demand a
passing notice. One is that of the Forward and presuming. No lady can
make advances of a character bold and obvious to a gentleman, and still
retain a good name in society. Modesty is the only current coin of her
sex; nothing can atone for its absence. A self-possessed, yet retiring
manner, is at once the index, and the charm, of female worth. It may be
needless to speak of the confirmed coquette. She, like the coxcomb, may
expect no mercy from others. There are few, to whom the caution of the
poet is necessary,

"She can both false and friendly be.
* * * * * * * *
She gives a side glance and looks down,
Beware! Beware!
Trust her not;
She is fooling thee."

Examples of this character, I believe, are comparatively rare, despite
his opinion, who said that "at sixteen, woman is a coquette, _par
instinct_." Still, it is too true, that "the whole system of female
education tends more to instruct women to allure, than to repel;"
although "as rationally might the military disciplinarian limit his
tuition to the mode of assault, leaving his soldiery in entire ignorance
of the tactics of defence."

Opposed to this fault stands that of undue Reserve. Some young ladies
are so trained as apparently to enshrine themselves from all approach,
in the society of gentlemen. They are models of decorum, miracles of
prudence, and drawn up, as if always anticipating a foe. They inwardly
sneer at all sentiment,