THE GIFT OF CHARM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15930, 29 May 1915, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE GIFT OF CHARM.

In one of our most intimate and confidential talks, a girl asked of an older woman what she " thought the most desirable gifts for a woman. She epoke of several friends—one of them as having grace of movement; another as rarely beautiful, with brilliant eyes and lovely complexion; a third as accomplished, playing and singing and speaking two or three languages beside her own; and a fourth as very clever. We may multiply the list, and as wo look over our circle of friends wo easily see that nearly everyone lias something bright and individual which commends her to us; but the sum of the matter is that the gift of all gifts for a girl is expressed in one little word of five letters—charm.

It is difficult to define charm, for it is as difficult to analyse as a perfume. Very plain girls and women are sometimes endowed with this grace. There v/as one who was not pretty at all— little, dumpy, brown thing, who had - not the art of dressing very well, and who slipped in and out of a room as softly and shyly as a mouse, bless her. heart! But this sweet Elizabeth was popular beyond all the girls of her class; she was constantly in demand, and nothing could be done without her.

In her caf.o charm had several elements. Her voice was low, yet clear. She never made an effect of insisting, as girls with shrill voices do; her tones were soft and distinct. Sic was' gentle, but she was not overlooked in consequence. She always knew where to find things. At home her father and brothers appealed to her for the books and papers which were out of sight, but which it was important to have on the instant, Elizabeth could explain away litle vexations. Sho remem* bered people's names and faces— very great talent, and one worth everybody's cultivating. Elizabeth was considerate and full of tact. She was never seen to do a rude thing or heard say anything unkind.