Rensselaer Standard, Volume 1, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 October 1879 — First Look in a Mirror. [ARTICLE]

First Look in a Mirror.

| The effect which thesudden seeing of themselves as others see them had upon several Siamese women is narrated by a lady: A few weeks ago a company of Siamese women came to see and to look at my house. They consider it a great treat if I invite them through my rooms, and let them look at my bed. my table, my chairs, my pictures and knick-nacks, and especially if they can get a look at themselves in the mirror on my bureau. One or two of those who came had been before, and they were telling of how they looked in the glass, till the others were all anxious to see too, so they gathered in a crowd and stood before the mirror. One quick look and then a surprised, startled cry. and some of them hid their feces, others ju sped away, and some looked about to see who was really there. They had never seen themselves before, and did not know how miserably they looked, with their Mack teeth and naked bodies. They drew their carts over their breasts, and tried to hides from the sight of themselves. One turned and said to me: “Weare very hateful-looking; don’t you think * so?” I did not tell them I always thought so, but I said: •‘Now, since you know how you look, Is it any wonder that we always tell you to wear more clothes, and to quit chewing bet&?” Some of tnem would not be induced to look the second time, while others stood and looked. Welted stripes are seen in the new hosiery.