no better test could be applied than to invite her to a three weeks'
family visit. By daily observation one could then learn how near in
character and disposition, in habits and manners, she approached that
beautiful ideal of the poet Lowell which I wish every young girl might
constantly strive to imitate and attain to:

"In herself she dwelleth not,
Although no home were half so fair;
No simplest duty is forgot,
Life hath no dim and lowly spot
That doth not in her sunshine share.

"She doeth little kindnesses
Which most leave undone or despise;
For naught that sets our heart at ease,
And giveth happiness or peace,
Is low esteemed in her eyes.

"She hath no scorn of common things,
And, though she seem of other birth,
Round us her heart entwines and clings,
And patiently she folds her wings
To tread the humble paths of earth.

"Blessing she is; God made her so,
And deeds of week-day holiness
Fall from her noiseless as the snow,
Nor hath she ever chanced to know
That aught were easier than to bless.

"She is most fair, and thereunto
Her life doth brightly harmonize;
Feeling or thought that was not true
Ne'er made less beautiful the blue
Unclouded heaven of her eyes."

LETTER VII.

TACT--UNOBTRUSIVENESS.

_My Dear Daughter:_--In one of my letters to you, I said that there were
certain excellent manuals which contained important general and special
directions concerning the forms and manners or etiquette of polite
society, and that all young people should study and profit by some
standard works of this kind. But there are a great many things
pertaining to the conduct of life, that go to make up character and
affect the impression we make upon those around us, which are not set
down in books and cannot be imparted by set forms and rules. For
instance, one of the most desirable possessions for any person, young or
old, is tact--a power of moving on through life without constantly
coming into collision with people and things and opinions. And yet no
rules were ever laid down by which anyone can learn to acquire tact. It
is rather the natural result of a disposition to make people with whom
we are associated comfortable and happy, since in order to do this we
must constantly guard against arousing antagonisms or wounding the
susceptibilities of those around us.

Now, to illustrate