the difference between visitors who are thoughtful and deferential and
helpful, and those whose overweening interest in self and selfish plans
makes them oblivious to the convenience and wishes and preferences of
their hostess and other members of the family.

If one wished thoroughly to understand the character of any young girl,
no better test could be applied than to invite her to a three weeks'
family visit. By daily observation one could then learn how near in
character and disposition, in habits and manners, she approached that
beautiful ideal of the poet Lowell which I wish every young girl might
constantly strive to imitate and attain to:

"In herself she dwelleth not,
Although no home were half so fair;
No simplest duty is forgot,
Life hath no dim and lowly spot
That doth not in her sunshine share.

"She doeth little kindnesses
Which most leave undone or despise;
For naught that sets our heart at ease,
And giveth happiness or peace,
Is low esteemed in her eyes.

"She hath no scorn of common things,
And, though she seem of other birth,
Round us her heart entwines and clings,
And patiently she folds her wings
To tread the humble paths of earth.