Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/391

Rh The women of America have, as I have already said, their noblest types in the best of the American women. Nowhere can be found greater steadfastness to duty, or more energy of character, united to greater gentleness and grace.

I have here greatly enjoyed the pure, fresh sea-air, amid quiet, social intercourse with kind and cultivated, people, under circumstances which combined enjoyment with all the charms and comforts of life. The “cottage” of the New World is a type of the pretty and the convenient united. Nature and art unite here to embrace man. The verandah which runs round the house, with its leafy and flowery creepers, shadowy and fragrant, affords the most beautiful place for the quiet enjoyment, as well of nature as of society, during the most lovely weather.

I had imagined Prescott the historian, to be an old man, bent down by study and labour, during which he had become almost blind. I could scarcely believe my eyes when, on the contrary, I found in him a tall and lively gentleman, with far more of the youth than of the aged thinker in his appearance and manner. His conversation and manners denote genius; they are full of life.

We have now moonlight, and our drives in the evenings along the sea-shore, whilst the waves are foaming and roaring, are a great enjoyment. Mrs. B. is one of the most delightful of hostesses, and with little Julia ——, ah! they who had such a little girl!

&emsp; Again several pleasant days have passed since I last wrote you from Nahant.

I went from Nahant to Salem on the 8th of this month, and at the house of the Mayor there, Mr. S., was in company with, and shook hands with between fifty and