156 PLAIN FACTS FOR OLD AND YOUNG 



ties themselves would endeavor to lessen the differ- 

 ences between them by mutual approximation. 



Courtship.— We cannot well avoid devoting a few 

 paragraphs to a part of the subject so important as 

 this, especially as it affords an opportunity for point- 

 ing out some evils too patent and too perilous to be 

 ignored. 



Courting, in the sense in which we use the word, is 

 distinctly an American custom. The social laws of 

 other civilized countries are such as to preclude the 

 possibility of the almost unrestrained association of 

 the sexes in youth which we see in this country. We 

 do not offer this fact as an argument in favor of for- 

 eign social customs, by any means, although in this 

 one particular they often present great advantages, 

 since in the majority of instances other evils as great, 

 or even greater, are encouraged. We mention the fact 

 simply for the purpose of bringing into bold relief the 

 evils of the characteristic American looseness in this 

 particular. 



Courtship in France.— A French 'matron would 

 be horrified at the idea that a young man should ask 

 her daughter to accompany him alone on an evening 

 ride, to a lecture, concert, or other place of amusement, 

 and much more, should he ask the privilege of sitting 

 up all night in the parlor with the light turned down, 

 after the rest of the family had retired. Among re- 

 spectable people in France, such liberties are not tol- 

 erated; and a young man who should propose such a 

 thing would be dismissed from the house instantly, and 

 regarded as unfit for association with virtuous people. 

 If a young man calls upon a young lady for the purpose 

 of making her acquaintance, he sees both her and her 

 mother, or an aunt, or older sister. He never sees her 



