"Yes, sir; it appears to me high time that the civilized world set about marking more distinctly a great many boundary lines, on important moral questions; and it is to be presumed, that with so much experience at our command, we shall at last do something towards it. It is to be hoped that mankind will at length learn not always to rush out of one extreme into the other; and when they feel the evil of one measure, not to fly for relief to its very opposite, but set about looking for the true remedy, which is generally not so far off."
"You don't believe in moral homoeopathy?" said Mrs. Stanley.
"Not in the least."
"Well, we are very much obliged to you for getting tired of Rio," said Mrs. Creighton; "and thinking that the gay world of Philadelphia was quite as agreeable as the Imperial Court."
"I take it for granted, however, that it was not exactly the gay world that you regretted," said Ellsworth.
"Not exactly, no; general society is not sufficiently perfect in its way among us, for a man to pine after."
"I have often thought," observed Elinor, "that the spirit of mere dissipation must be less excusable in this country than in Europe. Society must have so many attractions there--more general finish--more high accomplishment."
"Yes; we want more of the real thing; we have smatterers enough as it is," replied Mr. Ellsworth.
"And then the decorations are so well got up in Europe!" exclaimed Mrs. Creighton. "I must confess myself enough of a woman, to be charmed with good decorations."
"Something far better than mere decoration; however, is requisite to make society at all agreeable," continued Mr. Ellsworth.
"There is luxury enough among us, in eating and drinking, dressing and furniture, for instance; and yet what can well be more silly, more puerile, than the general tone of conversation at common parties among us? And how many of the most delightful soirees in Paris, are collected in plain rooms, au second, or au troisieme, with a brick floor to stand on, and a glass of orgeat, with a bit of brioche to eat!"
{"au second, or au troisieme" = on the third or fourth floor; "orgeat" = a syrup flavored drink; "brioche" = a simple pastry (French)}
"Lots and Love--Speculation and Flirtation, are too entirely the order of the day, and of the evening, with us," said Harry; "whether figuring on Change, or on a Brussels carpet."
{"on Change" = at the stock market}
"I have often been struck, myself, with the excessive silliness of the conversation at common parties, especially what are called young parties; though I have never seen anything better," said Elinor.
"Those young parties are enough to spoil any society," said Harry.
"Perhaps, however, you have too high an idea of such scenes in Europe, precisely because you have not seen them, Miss Wyllys," observed Mr. Ellsworth.
"That may very possibly be the case."
"There are always silly and ignorant people to be met with everywhere," remarked Harry; "but the difference lies in the general character of the circle, which is not often so insipid and so puerile in Europe."
"It is the difference, I suppose, between a puppet-show and genteel comedy," said Elinor.
"Precisely, Miss Wyllys," said Mr. Ellsworth, smiling.
"We have very pretty puppets, though," observed Mrs. Creighton; "quite well-dressed, and sufficiently graceful, too; that is to say, the young lady puppets. As for the gentlemen, I shall not attempt to defend them, en masse, neither their grace nor their coats."
"You won't allow us to be either pretty or well-dressed?" said Mr. Stryker.
"Oh, everybody knows that Mr. Stryker's coat and bow are both unexceptionable."