lives with some equally good, and usually more sensible and healthful girl, but of, perhaps, no special prospects or position in society.  This decision is certainly founded in wisdom.  They are forever relieved from that constant strain on their pride, and the consequent drain on their purse.  Their style of living may, in this latter case, be squared, without jar or reproach, to their real revenues, and life be to them worth the living, while they gradually and lovingly lay aside, for any future exigency, something each year on which, in old age or disaster, they may confidently lean, and which, though it may not be great, yet shall, in a reasonable life, be sufficient to tide them to, and “over the river.”

Everything, of course, has some exceptions; and where the fashionable lady can sustain the family pride and family coach both at one and the same time, why, then, our remarks and objections have little weight.  Yet, in what we have written may be found the real cause of the increase of bachelors and old maids in society.

There are a few noble souls who rise above the bondage of their sex, and follow the dictates of their own consciences in dress as in other matters.  This class embraces usually the very wealthy and the very learned people who compose the polite and refined circles, as distinguished from the flippant and fashionable ones.  All honor to them.  Their example is great, and furnishes the chief hope of any possible reform.

Some ask, what, indeed, shall we do if we discard all fashion?  Our reply is, to do as the Quakers do.  They certainly look quite as presentable and pretty in their “plain clothes” as do any other class of society.  But I hear the answer:  “Yes, and is not their style fashion?” We grant that it is, but at the same time insist that it is both a sensible, economical, and becoming one; and such a fashion—­a fashion of common sense—­is what we indorse, having not the least objection to that sort.  Like, the old-time mode of cutting boys’ hair by use of a bowl clapped over the head, it was a fashion, but a very simple, inexpensive, and proper one enough, considering the circumstances.  Now they must have the assistance of a professional artist.  Singular now one extreme follows another.

Not until quite a recent date were we inclined to advocate “women’s rights,” which is but another name—­as modernly interpreted—­for the ballot.  Now we are persuaded that it would be wise for the States to concede this, and thereby open a new channel to them for thought, at once weakening their hold on fashion, and enlarging their views of life and its requirements.  Good to the race, it would seem, must come of any change whereby the rising generation shall have less of fashion and its attendant evils, and more of health, with its accompanying blessings.