The off-hand style, the
nod of the head, the casual "how d'ye do," were unknown. Woman has not
now the same desire to appear always graceful; she adopts a manly gait,
talks louder, plays hockey, rides horseback astride, and boldly enters
hotel smoking rooms and railway smoking compartments without apology.
When walking with a lady, old or young, in those days, the gentleman
would offer his arm and she would take it. The curtsey was still
observed but gradually disappearing. When about nineteen years of age, I
remember being introduced to one of the young beauties of the town, who I
had long secretly admired. She made me a profound and graceful
curtsey--feminine homage to my budding manhood. The first curtsey I
remember receiving, except of course in the stately ceremonies of the
dance. For many a day afterwards my cheek glowed with pleasure at the
recollection of that sweet obeisance. She became my sweetheart,
temporarily; but a born butterfly, she soon fluttered away, leaving me
disconsolate--_for a time_!
Women then wrote a sloping hand, delicate penmanship, to distinguish them
from men; crossed and re-crossed their letters, and were greatly addicted
to postscripts.
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