Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/416

Rh next moment I meet with another instance of American sense and forbearance.

An elderly gentlemen at Saratoga, who appeared to be in ill health, but whose countenance was very agreeable, asked me with a diffident expression whether I really thought that the people of America were happier than those of Europe?

After so many self-conceited questions about America, it was a real refreshment to me, and I was glad that I could reply that I believed there was more hope here than elsewhere, and in that alone consisted a greater happiness.

Spite of the many examples I have had of American criticism on Americans, I cannot deny being sometimes reminded of the words of an Englishman: “I will not say that the Americans do not do many great things, but they are not done in an heroic way. And it has sometimes appeared to me that that which this people need most to make them really great is, a high-minded dissatisfaction with themselves.” But is this to be found among Englishmen or Frenchmen? Is it possessed by any nation excepting in its noblest representatives? And such are not wanting here, as I know by frequent experience.

The illumination of the public buildings in the evening at Saratoga was tasteful. The supper and the arrangements of the ball showed care and good taste. Our sweet Vermont flower, Miss N., was unable, more was the pity! to be with us this evening. I took leave of her and her father with regret; very sorry not to be able to accept his invitation to be present with him at a grand synod of the Presbyterian Church, which will be held next month in Maine.

&ensp; Ah! my child, what a whirl of changing scenes, occupation, and engagements, have not the latter few days