EMMELINE TO HER GIRL READERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2210, 9 July 1896, Page 43

EMMELINE TO HER GIRL READERS.

Deab GrißLS,— lt has often struok me in looking through the English magazines and journals devoted to the interests and amusements of women what an enormous number of girl correspondents fill the pages set apart for queriesi, what a- large amount of space is devoted to the discussion of girl topics, and how eagerly the girls seem to respond to this kindly consideration. Then another train of ideas suggested it se lf__for you know how subtly thoughts glide from one topic to another— and I began to oonsider whether my girl readers would prefer a speoial letter or artiolo written for them from time to time. At any rate I shall make the innovatioß, and hope that in the course of time— it is usually a somewhat tardy course — you may express your appreciation or otherwise. 1 Now, the lives and surroundings of oountry girls and town girlß are so diff srent that it is almost impossible to treat them as one snbj'.cfc. The town girl, whether she is a " frivol " or a student, has so many channels into which she can turn her superfluous time and talent. The question is not "What can I fittd to do?" but "What can I leave undone ? " And it is the same with the girl whose tendencies are towards religious endeavour, for she who lives in town has the cboico of guilde, societies, endeavours— every variation of religious effort. But the country girl has small choice, and usually pursues it under grave disadvantages. Sometimes, indeed, she feels the disadvantages so overwhelming that she gives up effort, which is a terrible mistake, and contents herself with dreaming of all that she "might b&ve done if ," which is a still greater mistake. ' I know 4alt'e weft how difficult it Is to keep up any course of reading or study, the pursuit of any accomplishment, or the interest in any hobby when one's life is very isolated and surroundings perhaps unfavourable. It is for this reason that I want to express to all my country girl friends my willingness to help them in any direction possible. There are questions about a course of reading, about artistic matters, little difficulties about the new needlework, many little matters that would really do* you far more goQd, make you more sensible, useful, and happier women, than the everlasting queries about complexions, depilatories, white hands, and long eyelashes Depend upon it, my dear girls, when the Prince does come even your freckles will be dear to him if he has learned to love you for your own sweet self ; and be equally sure that if he is the true Prince, who will be "the one true knight and only lover," he will want some better reason for choosing you than a good complexion, a small waist, or fashion-ably-dreßsed hair. He will say of you as the Knight Geraint did of Enid when first he saw her in her father's ruined hall. For Seeing her so sweet and serviceable, Geraiut had longing in him evermore To stoop and kiaß the tender little thumb That crost the trencher as she laid it down j until he knew for a certainty that Here, by God's rood, is the one maid forme. Now there is one thing that is of the utmost importance to both town and oountry girls, and that, is reading. You must keep within measureable distance of the great topics of the world, unless yon desire to sink into 1 that mere personal and local gossip which soon, dims and obscures the brightest natures. Magazines such as the Windsor, the Sfrand, the Leisure Hcmr, Gasselle, and others always have a oertain number of intelligent articles on subject? which are for the time being occupying publio sympathy, interest, or investigation, The annual subscription to these magazines is comparatively small, not so much as a new hat or bonnet, and the pleasure unending. Or, if you are musioal, there is the Musical Strand, which I find an excellent publication, giving a very good ohoice of music with every number. There are scores of other journals, magazines, and publications of various kinds— you oan see the names and prices of subscription in any newspaper; it is unnecesiary for me to say more. Now the town girl finda her reading marked out for her, as ifc were, by the fingerpost of public opinion. She has very little originality in her choice of subjects or the opinions ehe imbibes. Like a flock of sheep the town dwellers follow the mystical bell wether, whose bell tinkles the all-powerful jangle of " what everybody is reading " or II what everybody la saying." Yon country girls may at least take comfort in the thought that though you cannot discuss -your reading or air your opinions so widely as the town girl, y«t the conclusions you arrive at are nearly always much more original. And another thing, dears, try as much aa you can to rivet strongly, to keep bright and beautiful, the links of home life. Reading ! aloud in the evening, part singing, sometimes when yon have visitors a little play or charade— all those pleasures of the family oirole In which all pan join are the silken threads which bind you together and help to make home the sweetest place in the world. I most not make my letter too long ox witty yoa at the vuj beginning, go I lwn

another delightful interest and occupation for mention in my next. Meantime, remember that nothing can please me better than to hear from you or to help you, for I am always Your sincere friend, Emmelinb.