172 
RURAL HOURS. 
which we ever saw a woman in harness, though in travelling 
over Europe, one often sees the poor creatures toiling so hard, 
and looking so wretched, that one’s heart aches for them. We 
American women certainly owe a debt of gratitude to our coun- 
trymen for their kindness and consideration for us generally. 
Gallantry may not always take a graceful form in this part of the 
world, and mere flattery may be worth as little here as elsewhere, 
hut there is a glow of generous feeling toward woman in the hearts 
of most American men, which is highly honorable to them as a 
nation and as individuals. In no country is the pi'otection given to 
woman’s helplessness more full and free — in no country is the 
assistance she receives from the stronger arm so general — and 
nowhere does her weakness meet Avith more forbearance and con- 
sideration. Under such circumstances, it must be woman’s own 
fault if she be not thoroughly respected also. The position ac- 
corded to her is favorable ; it remains for her to fill it in a man- 
ner worthy her own sex, gratefully, kindly, and simply ; with 
truth and modesty of heart and life ; with unwavering fidelity of 
feeling and principle ; with patience, cheerfulness, and sweetness 
of temper — no unfit return to those who smooth the daily path 
for her. 
Thursday, 12 th . — Very warm and brilliant weather. Ther- 
mometer 90 in the shade. Drive in the evening over the High- 
borough Hills ; the roads very dusty ; fortunately, we left the 
cloud “ in our wake,” as the sailors say. The young fruits are 
getting their ruddy color in the orchards and gardens, and the 
grain is taking its golden tinge. The fields are looking very rich 
and full of promise. 
