Life — February 9, 1911 — page 14: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

ww urs p' PLAS | SOME ATTRACTIONS OF FIFTH AVENUE Letters to a Daughter poeG AREST GLADYS: Your father tells me that you have drawn on him at sight for a thousand dollars, which delighted me greatly, be- cause it showed me that your schooling had not been in vain. Of course, your dear old dad didn’t like it—men never like to be surprised, no matter how small the amount. But you are wise in beginning so early, and while I am on the subject I must warn you not to ignore matters of business. This is the mistake so many girls make, and later on—the collection of alimony, for example—they are the sufferers. Pick up all the business terms you can. Dip into Wall Street also—you can deal through my brokers, the Pentons— and even if you lose it will open up a new field for you and make you a broader, better and wiser woman. That is one reason why, in your education, I regard bridge as so valuable. It gives you confidence in yourself. Of course, your weak point is arithmetic—it always is with women—but by keeping your own bridge score you can strengthen yourself immensely. I’m glad I happened to mention bridge, because it brings me to a most important subject. Your tendency will be to play it too much, This is the mistake of youth, You throw yourself into one thing to the exclusion of others, Play steadily, therefore, and keep a record of your winnings and losses. If you are running behindhand it is because you do not play to the score, you do not play to honors, or your no- trump makes are too infrequent. Consider also the people you are playing with. Always play a square game with men. You can win from them just as well this way as the other, and in the long run it is easier. Indeed, you may put it down as an axiom that it always pays to be square with men, except in love matters—that is, until after you are married. But by that time, my dear Gladys, you will, I hope, have learned to govern yourself, I licard of you at Pauline’s house party the other day. She said some nice things about you. I am sure you will do us all credit, But I heard you drank a cocktail without a cherry in it, Don’t do it again, dear. This is only affected by habitual drinkers. The sweet woman—and you must al- ways keep a certain atmosphere of sweetness about you— never takes a cocktail except for the cherry. Au revoir Your loving mother, M. Iv LADYS DEAR: I want to say more to you about the habit of drinking, because it is really of the utmost importance. I don't know what would have happened to me if I had not pulled myself up short; and if a person of my will power and determination was in danger, you must sce that great care is necessary. Remember that your dear old mother is not preaching to you—preaching is always in such wretched bad taste, anyway— but it is necessary for me to caution you. You may drink more freely with women than in any other circumstances. Women, drinking together, are usually harmless. But never drink alone with a man; and above all, never take cocktails before breakfast. Always keep before you, in your mind's eye, so to speak, your complexion, your weight, and your future, I. should advise you, indeed, to abstain altogether, did I not know that this, among our people, would be con- sidered vulgar. You sce, my dear, it requires the utmost dis- crimination. You cannot afford to be unconventional under thirty. After that, if you are married, and a real leader, you can do unconventional things if they are wild enough. But even then they require a certain amount of genius in the doing. The point I wish to make with cocktails and wine is that in common with the indulgence in other things, such as bridge, love and your church duties, you must never forget that you are a woman. Ah, so many promising girls have been cast away on this rock! *Keep your femininity, my dear. Be the best all around sport in the world—as J hope I am—but always preserve a certain appearance of weakness, of dependence. It is your greatest strength. Our old rector called to-day and wished to be remem- bered to you. By the way, he ked if you had ever been confirmed. My impression is that when the Bishop was here for that purpose you were at your first house party. No, I am quite sure you never have been. I would do so, my dear, at the first opportunity. You cannot hope to advance yourself in any way unless you are in good standing in the church—that is to say, unless you are, the foundation will always be w Besides, it will be such a comfort to you. The Bishop is such a dear, fatherly man. I'm sure he will take a great interest in you. Think this over and let me know your own heart. Meantime I will look over the Stock Exchange membership and the Union Club for an available godfather. our father is building another house for me. are rather interesting. Of course, dear, if you sail for Europe before the Bishop comes again, you can wait for another year. Still, I would not put it off too long. Do you say your prayers regularly? I know you will laugh at me, but it only comes of my tendency, when I am on the subject. to dispose of it once and for all. You know the old-fashioned way—on your knees—has all gone out. The rector and I agree about it perfectly. He says it's The plans comicbooks.com