There is no feminine charm, or combination of charms, that can preserve its attractiveness for the male for any length of time if modesty be lacking; and prostitutes who have not learned the art of simulating it are only half educated in their time-honored profession. They may not be able at all times to set in motion the delicate reflex mechanism of blushing, any more than the modern society belle can; but few of them will be found deficient in those little acts of assumed coquetry, mauvaise honie, which experience has told them are far more potent in exciting the masculine passion than the most lavish display of person.

The peculiar influence which darkness has in dispelling modesty has never been satisfactorily explained; but we do know that, although in the fashionable whore-houses mirrors are so arranged as to stimulate the debauchee with a constant Bight of his own sexual act, in a state of nature both men and women court darkness rather than light for sexual indulgence. Those, too, who are temperamentally shy will always find in the company of blind persons relief from their constitutional weakness.

Leiius says that in coming to Brazil "where we found men and women naked as they were born, many will think that our so long commerce with naked women must needs be a great provocation to lust," but he concludes that the nakedness did not entice them so much as our women's clothes.1 It was Judith's pantoffles that ravished Holofernes, and Naomi, well versed in the arts of her sex, counsels Ruth how to dress to captivate Boaz.J