tone. The presence of the stairway, especially if this is broken by a
landing, permits quite a variety of arrangement. The line of ascent
should be followed only approximately. Remember that it is a fundamental
law of art always to suggest a set idea, but never to follow it; to have
a rule in mind, and then play about it rather than strictly pursue it.
Art is free and frolicking. It gambols along the straight path of
utility, following the scent of airy suggestion into outlying fields
and by-paths, but always keeping the general direction of the path.

The parlor, when this is not combined with the hall, should be furnished
and decorated according to the chief use the family intend to make of
it. If they are given to formal entertainment, the color scheme may be
in "high key," that is, a combination of white with either gold, rose,
or green, any of which forms a bright setting for gay evening costumes.
But this decoration is not advisable in the case of the average American
home, since it is too fine and frivolous for the reception of neighbors
in ordinary dress. A quieter, more dignified color-scheme should be
adopted; such as golden brown, with subdued decorations for the wall,
and ecru-colored lace curtains for the windows. The floor may be of
hardwood, in which case a few medium-sized Oriental rugs should be
placed on the floor. It is not essential that these "match" the
wallpaper, for they are of the nature of artistic household treasures,
and so rise autocratically above the necessity of conformity. Where they
are chosen with a view to the color scheme, it is advisable to make them
the means of transition from the hall. If this is decorated in dark red,
the rugs leading from it into the parlor may shade off from this into
more golden tones. The design of the rugs should be unobtrusive. The
homemaker should not feel that Oriental rugs are too expensive for
consideration. Every once in a while their is a glut of them in the
market, owing to an extensive importation, when they can be purchased