Exercises for ladies; (1836) (14769190634)

Identifier: exercisesforladi00walk_0 (find matches)
Title: Exercises for ladies;
Year: 1836 (1830s)
Authors: Walker, Donald. (from old catalog)
Subjects: Physical education and training
Publisher: London, T. Hurst
Contributing Library: The Library of Congress
Digitizing Sponsor: The Library of Congress



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d should hasten to turnthe conversation to some other subject, thankingthe mistress of the house for the anxiety she maymanifest upon the subject. Every one has often seen stiff country ladiesin full dress fold up their shawl square, put downthe bonnet with care, take it up again, and replaceit so as to be assured that no contact can rumplethe trimming. Every one has seen them at tablespread out and then affectedly double back theirgown, spread out the napkin with conspicuouscare, and recommend to the servants to be care-ful in serving. Every one has seen them, withtroubled look, following the plate which passesover their shoulders, push back the chair whentheir neighbour is going to carve, and redoubletheir anxiety when the champagne froths up closeby them. These spectacles are by no means rare: theymake us laugh, and speedily turn away the eyes,to fix them with pleasure upon those amiableladies of perfect neatness or complete elegancewho forget their dress, and exhibit an ease and I
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DEPORTMENT. 205 bearing of the highest character. Between these twomodels, the choice cannot be a matter of hesitation. The duties of a lady receiving visitors are nottrifling. She is careful that all her visitors aresatisfied, without, however, displaying any affec-tation. This task is particularly difficult whenthe evening is passed in dancing; for she mustobserve, without appearing to do so, the ladieswho are not dancing, and send them partners,taking especial care that they do not observeher commission. And to fulfil properly theseduties, the mistress of the house should dancebut little. If a lady is merely invited to a ball, her dutiesare less peremptory and less numerous, but notupon that account less indispensable. She isbound to receive, with a smiling and modest meinyall partners, whatever their age or rank. Sheaddresses a few words with politeness to herneighbours, even though unknown to her. Ifthey dance much, she compliments them upontheir success; and if, on the contrary,