my things on. When I got over to America--into the light--
I usually found they were twice too big. The next time I
mean to go in the season; I think I shall go next year.
I want very much to take my sister; she has never been to England.
I don't know whether you know what I mean by saying
that the Englishmen who come here sometimes get spoiled.
I mean that they take things as a matter of course--
things that are done for them. Now, naturally, they are
only a matter of course when the Englishmen are very nice.
But, of course, they are almost always very nice.
Of course this isn't nearly such an interesting country as England;
there are not nearly so many things to see, and we haven't your
country life. I have never seen anything of your country life;
when I am in Europe I am always on the Continent. But I have
heard a great deal about it; I know that when you are among
yourselves in the country you have the most beautiful time.
Of course we have nothing of that sort, we have nothing on
that scale. I don't apologize, Lord Lambeth; some Americans
are always apologizing; you must have noticed that.
We have the reputation of always boasting and bragging and
waving the American flag; but I must say that what strikes me
is that we are perpetually making excuses and trying to smooth
things over. The American flag has quite gone out of fashion;
it's very carefully folded up, like an old tablecloth.
Why should we apologize? The English never apologize--
do they? No; I must say I never apologize. You must take
us as we come--with all our imperfections on our heads.
Of course we haven't your country life, and your old ruins,
and your great estates, and your leisure class, and all that.
But if we haven't, I should think you might find it a pleasant change--