have, in the mass. But, as the majority of women are married, they are
no more criticised nor commented on, in the bulk, than the whole sex
are. They are spoken of individually as pretty or plain, bright or
dull, pleasant or unpleasant; while old maids are judged as a species,
and almost always unfavorable.

[Illustration: "I HAVE CHANGED MY MIND."]

7. BECOMES A WIFE.--Many an old maid, so-called, unexpectedly to her
associates becomes a wife, some man of taste, discernment and sympathy
having induced her to change her state. Probably no other man of his
kind has proposed before, which accounts for her singleness. After her
marriage hundreds of persons who had sneered at her condition find her
charming, thus showing the extent of their prejudice against feminine
celibacy. Old maids in general, it is fair to presume, do not wait for
opportunities, but for proposers of an acceptable sort. They may have,
indeed they are likely to have, those, but not to meet these.

8. NO LONGER MARRY FOR SUPPORT.--The time has changed and women have
changed with it. They have grown more sensible, more independent
in disposition as well as circumstances. They no longer marry for
support; they have proved their capacity to support themselves, and
self-support has developed them in every way. Assured that they can
get on comfortably and contentedly alone they are better adapted by
the assurance for consortship. They have rapidly increased from this
and cognate causes, and have so improved in person, mind and character
that an old maid of to-day is wholly different from an old maid of
forty years ago.

[Illustration: CONVINCING HIS WIFE.]