Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/197

Rh the combat of words from becoming like a cockpit. Sometimes the contest between the hot-headed opponents assumed such a threatening character, that a challenge, a duel, bloodshed, and tragical ending was feared. But no! In the hour of need, Count Arrivabene stepped in with the right word or the right measure, which pacified the combatants, and his handsome person and refined manners contributed, in no small degree, to give weight to his talent for reconciliation. A Count Arrivabene ought to be found in every assembly of council. The assembly here was nevertheless composed of “gentlemen.” This was proved by the fact, that a vote of thanks to the ladies, who were present at this assembly, was moved by the chivalric young representative from England. These ladies were few in number, but evidently deeply interested by the business of the meeting. I was the only lady-member of the Congress, and as some of the gentlemen of the council wished me to say something, I prepared a written address, recommending that a better education should be given to the daughters of the lower class, than had hitherto been the case. This was read by Mr. Vickier, one of the members of the Council,—well read, and attentively listened to also.

At the same time and for the same purpose as the Congress, an Exhibition was made in Brussels, of every article most necessary for the use and advantage of human life. They were here collected from many different countries, alike with reference to excellence of workmanship, and cheapness of price. From the completely-furnished dwelling of the artisan, to the smallest article which could be either useful or