did he stay so long, and no matter what he says she knows it's a
lie. More times than not she's right, too. I can't tell you too
often--men don't want to be loved, they like to be flattered and
flattered and then flattered again. You'd never believe how childish
they are.

"Make them think they're it and don't give too much--that's the
secret. Above all else don't be easy on them. Don't say 'all right,
darling, next spring will do as well for a new suit.' Get it then
and let him worry about paying for it, if worry he must. If they
don't give it to you some one smarter will wear it. But I started to
talk about getting married.

"Choose a Moses Feldt, who will always be grateful to you, and keep
him at it. They are so easy to land it's a kind of shame, too. Perhaps
I am telling you this too soon, but I don't want any mistakes. Well,
pick out your Moses--and mama will help you there--and suddenly, at
the right time, show him that you can be affectionate; surprise him
with it and you so staid and particular generally. Don't overdo it,
promise more than you ever give--

"In the closet, dearie, just a little. That's a good girl. Mama's so
dry." She rose, the silver cup of the flask in her hand, and moved
inevitably to the mirror. "My hair's a sight," she remarked; "all
strings. I believe I'll get a permanent wave. They say it lasts for
six months or more, till the ends grow out. Makes a lot of it, too,
and holds the front together. If you've ever had dye in your hair, I
hear, it will break off like grass."

Linda pondered over what she had been told of love and marriage; on