THE WAY TO WOO A MAN.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVI, Issue XXIV, 13 June 1896, Page 703

THE WAY TO WOO A MAN.

The New York Herald recently offered a prize of £2O to the woman writing the best letter in answer to the question, * How far may a woman go to encourage a man to propose marriage?’ We publish the winning letter, which will be interesting to readers of the Graphic from the fact that we had a similar competition some time ago. Here is the winning letter :—

How far may a woman go to encourage a man to propose ? Just as far as these lines state; by one who really knows.

Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, says of a good woman :—• Her price is far above rubies.’ Certainly, from his extraordinary and extensive experience with the sex, I should consider him competent to pass judgment. We will presume that you are a • good, womanly ’ woman, such as he describes, and that yon are desirous of approaching a man on the subject of matrimony ; that yon are anxious to induce him to propose.

First—Select the man on whom you intend to bestow the privilege of your attention, note bis behaviour and general conduct, and then, if you deem him worth the winning, hold fast to him. We are strictly enjoined to * Hold fast to that which is good.*

Second—ln your after companionship with him bear in mind the fact that you are a woman of great price, * far above rubies,' and you will never compromise yonrself by any indecorousness of speech or manner.

Seek his society in such a manner that he is not cognizant of being sought after; be bright aud cheerful in bis presence, sympathize with him in his troubles, stimulate him to best efforts in his business affairs, cheer him when he is despondent, and encourage him to confide in you. Dress becomingly for him, but never gaudily. When he is absent from you write him a few interesting, chatty letters, wherein, if you are an adept at the art, you can weave a few insinuating expressions, which may work wonders. * The pen is mightier than the sword.’

Above all else, prove yourself a good listener. If he monopolises three-thirds of the conversation, yon will have the more chance to study his character, for * out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.’ I guarantee that you will get in your thirds in the sweet by and by.

I should scarcely advise your treating him to specimens of your cookery. His mother might excel in the culinary art. Moreover, it was an uncooked apple with which Mother Eve beguiled Adam. Of the righteousness of that transaction I shall say nothing ; of the success everything, in that she moulded Adam to her will. Time enough to * feed the brute ’ when you have to do so ; then feed him to your heart's content, and feed him well. If you are making any progress with him accord him trifling familiarities, which may be increased in proportion to his affability and bis interest in you. Your womanly intuition should by this time enable you to judge whether or not you have found favour in his sight and to act accordingly. •Be ye wise as serpents, but harmless as doves.

Should there spring up between you a mutual regard, treat him to some of those dainty feminine touches which are inde-

scribable, not because they are womanly or wrong, but because their language is mute and sacred to the two persons most concerned.

Do not always agree with him ; it is sometimes wiser to agree to disagree. If you have a spark of wit in your nature you ought by this time to have made yourself so necessary to his existence that he will miss you sadly when absent, and will begin to realise that *lt is not good for man to be alone.’

Though all progresses well, draw the line at promiscuous osculation. Never permit him to kiss you ; that is the privilege of the engaged. But since the Apostle says, • Greet ye one another with an holy kiss,’ you might vouchsafe him just one—some night at parting, perhaps. But if he attempts to return it do not permit it. Tell him •It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Finally, you must inform him that you can put him in the way of finding a * good thing,’ and refer him to the eighteenth chapter of Proverbs, the twenty-second verse. If he be a manly sort of fellow, and cares anything for yon, he will doubtless follow the exhortation of the prophet, and thus find favour with you and the Lord. Should your innate modesty rebel somewhat at this suggestion you may console yourself by remembering that it is indeed your leap year privilege. If you are the dear, womanly, nestling creature you ought to be, he must have proposed long ago. If he has not, discard him, for either he is not worthy of you or you are not en rapport with him. In that case try again.

Becky Sharp.