stupidity. American women, however, make too many vague
exclamations--say too many indefinite things. In short, they have a
great deal of nature. On the whole, I find very little affectation,
though we shall probably have more as we improve. As yet, people
haven't the assurance that carries those things off; they know too
much about each other. The trouble is that over here we have all
been brought up together. You will think this a picture of a
dreadfully insipid society; but I hasten to add that it's not all so
tame as that. I have been speaking of the people that one meets
socially; and these are the smallest part of American life. The
others--those one meets on a basis of mere convenience--are much
more exciting; they keep one's temper in healthy exercise. I mean
the people in the shops, and on the railroads; the servants, the
hackmen, the labourers, every one of whom you buy anything or have
occasion to make an inquiry. With them you need all your best
manners, for you must always have enough for two. If you think we
are TOO democratic, taste a little of American life in these walks,
and you will be reassured. This is the region of inequality, and
you will find plenty of people to make your courtesy to. You see it
from below--the weight of inequality is on your own back. You asked
me to tell you about prices; they are simply dreadful.



IV. FROM THE HONOURABLE EDWARD ANTROBUS, M.P., IN BOSTON, TO THE
HONOURABLE MRS. ANTROBUS.



October 17.