“One of the nicest fellows in the world has been paying attention to me for over a year, he has never said outright that he loves me, but I know he does from the way he acts. A short time ago I met another fellow that I liked pretty well, and went out with him once or twice. Now the first one has threatened to shoot himself if I go out with the other any more. I don’t want him to do anything rash, and yet I do enjoy an occasional evening out with my new acquaintance. How can I adjust my conduct so as to suit my old beau for whom I really care a great deal? “Adeline.” We do not think your old friend will do what he threatens, as this line of conduct is confined solely to madmen and imbeciles. If he belongs to either of these classes the sooner you are rid of him the better. It is too much of a responsibility for you to be forever trying to prevent a man from blowing his brains out. Until he declares his love and asks your hand in marriage there is no occasion for your being over careful of his feelings. “I am greatly interested in your correspondence department, and although I am an old maid of thirty-five I write to ask you a serious question: Is an ‘old maid’ really such an object of ridicule as we are led to believe? I have been self-supporting for twenty years, and able to help many married women and children whose husbands and fathers could not support them. Is there not something else in the world just as praiseworthy as matrimony? “Miss C.” We are delighted to get this honest letter! There is no woman more noble than a self-supporting, humanity-helping “old maid,” and yet we must take exception to this term in your case. You are at the prime of life—the age when the average woman is most able and loveable. If it were not for the numbers of helpful women like yourself we shudder to think of what would become of some of the married women and children. We have seen whole families lean for mental, moral and financial support upon some “old maid aunt” or sister. The woman who has “hoed her own row” deserves the sympathy, admiration and respect of the entire universe. When she does marry she will be to her husband a “pearl beyond price,” a helpmeet and companion whose value is inestimable. “I am very much distressed over what you may deem a trifling matter; nevertheless, I am coming to you for advice, my dear Miss Shirley. “I am engaged to be married to a very nice appearing young man, but on several occasions I have seen him kick dogs and cats, and as I am a great lover of animals, it has troubled me greatly. I am almost afraid to trust my happiness in his hands. Do you think I am foolish or a ‘crank’ for feeling as I do? “Isabel.” “A merciful man is merciful to his beast.” No, we do not think you are foolish or a “crank.” On the contrary, we are sure you are a very wise little woman.