knicknacks, has helped on this confusion, till one is almost tempted to
regard them as nuisances. A few of these ornamental trifles, arranged
with an eye to a certain unity of design, may do very well; but, as
William Morris, the great apostle of true decorative art in England, has
said, "Better pure empty space than unworthy and confusing ornament."
You may have heard it related of the great naturalist, Thoreau, that he
made a collection of stones during his rambles, and placed them on his
writing-table; but when he found he had to dust them every day, he threw
them away.

This same general principle applies to dress. Too many little trivial
ornaments will destroy the character and dignity of any costume. Better
one or two ornaments of good quality, or better none at all, than half a
dozen of poor quality. And in regard to a young girl's wardrobe, the
same fundamental rule prevails: if every article of apparel is not
daintily clean, it is unbecoming and unworthy a refined personality.
Soiled laces and soiled ribbons are to be shunned; but better
untidiness and soil of the outward apparel than of that which we know by
the general name of underwear, which is far more personal and important
than the outward costume. The more refined the character and taste of
any young girl, the more particular will she be in the matter of all
articles of apparel that are private to herself, that they shall at
least be daintily neat and clean. I need not say to you how
disenchanting it is to see a young lady's foot with a shoe half buttoned
because half the buttons are gone; or to see a slipper slip off and
disclose neglected and untidy hose. No young girl of proper self-respect
or refinement will ever tolerate any such blemishes in her wardrobe.

Next in importance to habits of order and personal neatness comes the
habit of promptness. The girl who loiters and dawdles and keeps people