"Lively conversation upon the instructing and elevating topics is but little practiced, but whenever it is found it gives a charm to the society of females which nothing else can. It triumphs over deformity and old age, and makes ugliness itself agreeable. Curran, speaking of Madame de Stael, who was by no means handsome, but a splendid conversationalist, said that she had the power of talking herself into a beauty. Ladies should think of this. Beauty lies in other things than fine features or cosmetics. Women, however lovely they may be in person, rarely excite true admiration, if they are ignorant of the art of conversing well."