102 FASHIONABLE AMUSEMENTS. 



necessary relaxation from toil and care, in the 

 grand reunions, fashionable assemblies, and other 

 entertainments. Neither would I forbid my fair 

 young countrywomen the delightful enjoyment of 

 the opera (barring the ballet, which is an abomi- 

 nation, or ought to be, to every unsophisticated 

 girl), soirees dansantes, theatrical exhibitions, or 

 such like reliefs from ennui. I would only sug- 

 gest the reflection which their own mirrors must 

 retain, that their complexions are not improved by 

 too frequent indulgence in these midnight amuse- 

 ments, or their strength of mind and body much 

 invigorated ; and, as to a dusty ride or drive in 

 the Park, by way of a refresher, after a night's 

 fevered dissipation in hot, crowded rooms, what 

 are they when put in competition with a canter 

 over the fresh breezy downs, or even a stroll on 

 foot through the green shady lanes of the 

 country ? 



The world, however, is wide enough for us all, 

 and our different tastes and diversities of opinion 

 afford the best reason why we should each seek 

 our own enjoyment of life in the mode most 

 suitable to our own peculiar temperament or dis- 

 position. The animal rationale — man — being of 

 the social or gregarious order, cities and towns, 

 since the foundation of Babel or Babylon by the 



