detraction and ostentation, etc., etc.; and as for the world in general,
we think it very beautiful, and only wish to overlook some few
additional miles of its lovely mountains, lakes, and streams.'

'Well, well, girls, young people always can talk faster than old ones;
but do you really think it safe for you to venture without escort? You
do not even know the name of the place which you wish to visit; you have
been informed that on the summit of yonder mountain is a lake, said to
be picturesque; but of its cognomen, and of the proper means to reach
it, you are utterly ignorant. You will have to ask questions of all
sorts of people.'

'Suppose we do--being women, we will certainly in America receive civil
answers.'

'But if some person unknown to you should speak to you?'

'Little danger, dear aunt, of dread unknowns, if we comport ourselves
properly; I have travelled much in all kinds of public conveyances, and
never yet have been improperly addressed. Did you ever have an adventure
of the sort'?

'Once only,' replied Aunt Sarah, 'and then the fault was my own. I was
young and giddy; Cousin Nancy was with me, and we were in a rail-car. In
a near seat sat a very good-looking young man; Nancy looked toward him
once or twice and, meeting his eye, began to giggle: I foolishly joined
her; thus encouraged, our young gentleman opened a conversation. Nancy
laughed immoderately; but I, being a few years older, soon controlled my
silly giggling; and by the tone of my reply speedily silenced our
would-be admirer. He turned his back upon us, and, so far as I know, in