is then much more reason for separating fiction
and light literature, and placing them in a very accessible position. It
will often be found advisable, as fiction accumulates, to weed out and
decide what volumes shall be bound and what rejected or placed in the
servants' library. Shelves should therefore be reserved for books which
are thus going through a period of probation.[21]

A fiction library may be made very interesting if it is so arranged as
to represent the history of France or of England, or any country. From
the boundless stores of fiction writers--in fact, from Scott alone
almost--a sequence of volumes may be arranged which, if read in proper
order, would make a very excellent romance history. Almost every
interesting episode of history has had its story woven into romance.
Thus there are, I believe, about eighteen historical romances relating
to the Monmouth rebellion alone.

'Much of love,' said Lord Bowen, 'has only been learned under the
instruction of some woman who has herself only learned it from a book.
Authoresses, indeed, have not unfrequently betrayed the key to some of
their sex's secrets. Were it not for _Northanger Abbey_ and Miss Austen,
some of the old mysteries of girlish friendship would have remained
untold, and we should never have known or understood the curiosity
which may lurk in a refined bosom at seventeen. Man would scarcely have
guessed but for _Jane Eyre_ the impression which can be made, it seems,
upon a heart by a middle-aged gentleman with the manners of a bear and
the composure of a prig. Furthermore, it is through women's novels that
we have had brought home to us most adequately what women who have
tasted it, or seen it, can best relate, the despicable egotism of a weak
man. Anzoleto in _Consuelo_, Tito in _Romola_.'[22]

It is important for every one to fix upon a time for everyday study, and
remember to read when you have a disposition so to do. Do not think that
spare moments not spent in reading are lost. Some spare time must be
kept for thinking. If you have 'nerves,' it is no good to read then;
read when the mind is quiet and receptive. This will probably be when
dressing in the morning, or at night before going to bed. Keep a small
bookcase in your dressing-room; in so doing you will learn the art of
going to bed well. Read at any time when curiosity is aroused as to any
person, place, or subject, and keep reference books at hand to answer
questions intelligently.