Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/316

Rh and disgust, and also censure severely that inclination for coarse personality which is one of the greatest sins of the American newspaper press. Generally, however, even this spares women, who always find powerful defenders. A man who in conversation or through the press should allow himself to attack a woman, or to express himself coarsely against her, would be condemned by the better portion of the people as a man of bad education, and bad taste. A silent reprobation would exclude him from the better class of society. Thus noble and chivalric is the spirit of this country.

I shall now remain quietly here for about a week, partly because I find myself so comfortable here, and that I require rest, and partly to have my toilette refitted, under the advice and management of my good Mrs. W. H. I think more on this subject here than I did at home, because I must here appear as a Swede. I wish to do so with honour to my country, although with all becoming modesty. My costume therefore is always black silk, with a mantilla or light jacket, also of silk, trimmed with lace. You must fancy me when walking out in a white silk bonnet and veil, and black satin cloak or dress. I endeavour to combine gravity with a certain degree of elegance.

From this place, I propose proceeding through the highlands of North Carolina and Georgia, the remarkable scenery of which I wish to become acquainted with, into the State of Tennesee, by the Tennesee river, and so into Virginia, the old dominion, where I think of remaining some time, to make myself familiar both with the people and the scenery. It is now terribly hot here, and one is as if in a constant bath. I ought to write many letters, and read various things, but instead of doing so, I spend long hours in doing nothing but sitting in my rocking chair and rocking to and fro.

“It is all very well as yet,” says Mrs. W. H., “but