and deride those, who exhibit it, and pride
themselves, above all things, in keeping every one completely at a
distance.

I do not deny that a female has a right, and ought, to repel all
improper liberties, and to shew those, who are unduly familiar, that she
can assume, at fit times, a little dignity. But need one, in doing this,
build round herself a wall of ice? Shall she, through fear of seeming
fond and forward, put on an eternal frown? In avoiding French freedom,
we often substitute an Anglo-American prudery. The slightest compliment
is interpreted as flattery, so that the remarker must do violence to
his honest convictions, lest he offend an ever-suspicious, maidenly,
pride.

The true medium between boldness and a chilling reserve may not be
easily attained; yet it is worth years of effort, even to approximate
this happy manner. There are women, who can invite to easy and pleasant
conversation, and yet repel the most trivial impropriety in a gentleman.
I could wish that our female writers, in their minute directions to the
young of their sex, had recommended this desirable medium, instead of
teaching them to regard themselves as always acting on the defensive.
Can a lady never accept a present from a gentleman, without so doing it
as to encourage his particular attentions? Does she, by consenting to
walk, or ride with one, bind herself to him for life, or invite his
addresses, as a suitor?

But let a young woman resolve, that, while she receives the ordinary
marks of courtesy with readiness, she will not allow herself to infer
that they signify every thing. If the remark of Lord Bacon be correct in
general, that "women, when young, are the idols of men," the reverse of
it is not seldom true. A companion for the evening is invested with
imaginary dispositions, and she, who ought to have exercised her
judgment, and waited for decisive tokens of favor, is captivated
without the least intention on the part of her fancied lover.

It is certainly desirable that a young lady be acquainted, and that
somewhat particularly, with a variety of gentlemen. Thus only can she be
qualified to discriminate between the undeserving, the indifferent, and
the excellent. How else can you know the indications of those who
undervalue your sex in general, the worthless, gay, and unprincipled,
and guard against their influence? There are those, who delight in
making sport of an inexperienced female. To understand the traits of
such,