It is the privilege of the betrothed lover, as it is also his duty, to give advice to the fair one who now implicitly confides in him.  Should he detect a fault, should he observe failings which he would wish removed or amended, let him avail himself of this season, so favourable for the frank interchange of thought between the betrothed pair, to urge their correction.  He will find a ready listener; and any judicious counsel offered to her by him will now be gratefully received and remembered in after life.  After marriage it may be too late; for advice on trivial points of conduct may then not improbably be resented by the wife as an unnecessary interference:  now, the fair and loving creature is disposed like pliant wax in his hands to mould herself to his reasonable wishes in all things.

Conduct of the Lady during her Betrothal.

A lady is not expected to keep aloof from society on her engagement, nor to debar herself from the customary attentions and courtesies of her male acquaintances generally; but she should, while accepting them cheerfully, maintain such a prudent reserve, as to intimate that they are viewed by her as mere acts of ordinary courtesy and friendship.  In all places of public amusement—­at balls, the opera, &c.—­for a lady to be seen with any other cavalier than her avowed lover in close attendance upon her would expose her to the imputation of flirtation.  She will naturally take pains at such a period to observe the taste of her lover in regard to her costume, and strive carefully to follow it, for all men desire to have their taste and wishes on such apparent trifles gratified.  She should at the same time observe much delicacy in regard to dress, and be careful to avoid any unseemly display of her charms:  lovers are naturally jealous of observation under such circumstances.  It is a mistake not seldom made by women, to suppose their suitors will be pleased by the glowing admiration expressed by other men for the object of their passion.  Most lovers, on the contrary, we believe, would prefer to withdraw their prize from general observation until the happy moment for their union has arrived.

Conduct of the Gentleman towards the Family of his Betrothed.

The lover, having now secured his position, should use discretion and tact in his intercourse with the lady’s family, and take care that his visits be not deemed too frequent—­so as to be really inconvenient to them.  He should accommodate himself as much as possible to their habits and ways, and be ever ready and attentive to consult their wishes.  Marked attention, and in most cases affectionate kindness, to the lady’s mother ought to be shown:  such respectful homage will secure for him many advantages in his present position.  He must not, however, presume to take his stand yet as a member of the family, nor exhibit an obtrusive familiarity in manner and conversation.  Should a disruption of the engagement from some unexpected cause ensue, it is obvious that any such premature assumption would lead to very embarrassing results.  In short, his conduct should be such as to win for himself the esteem and affection of all the family, and dispose them ever to welcome and desire his presence, rather than regard him as an intruder.