LADY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1617, 25 February 1903, Page 28

LADY.

We all like to have nice things said of us and to us, and when we think of the time honoured title of “lady” as meaning a well bred woman it does seem a pity to discontinue its use as has been suggested by persons who, without thinking of the question, would abolish it altogether. We admit the term is often misapplied. but the same thing may often he said as regards “gentleman.” We have seen the flush of pleasure overspread the features of a hard-working woman as she rose to leave a railway carriage when someone said. ‘’‘’This lady is getting out here,” and the simple dignity with which the title was accepted proved the implied compliment had given happiness. There is an indefinable charm about the word “lady” which gives power when addressed respectfully to the woman of whatever station to bring out her best self, and the woman who strives to he her best, though in a humble position, is as much entitled to be called a lady as her sister who owes all to the accident of birth or position. The word “gentlewoman” has quite another meaning. For a woman to be such she must be of good birth and breeding. It is a sweet old-fashioned word, and many an Englishwoman of gentle birth would prefer it to the word lady, but if the word lady gives pleasure to any woman of whatever class, it is a pity to abolish it.