The American Girl Abroad

To the French matron this girl ia an enigma. Where her daughter timidly, and with downcast eyes, answers the man with furtive speech, her sister from over the sea confronta hiin boldly and speaks with assurance. One blushes when she is accosted by the man, while the man blushes when accosted by the other ; that is to say, the man is more timid in America than the woman. The Frenchman regards this naivete as au irresistible charm ; the American seems to admire aplomb- the eyes which look boldly into his, and the tongue which answers hini with ease and glibness. The Gallic uiatron afíirma that she has the manners' of a niarried woman. She goes to the theaters where her daughter is liever permitted to go, and reads novéis that are only allowed to the French woman with a husband ; orders her raiment without comment from her mother, and receivts men visitors alone, and talks to them by the hour; walks fearlessly down the Champs Elysees unatteudud, attired in striking colors, engages her own cab, and generally manages all affairs relating to herself. Most remarkable of all, she seleets her own husband. The French mother emphatically condemns this mode of bringing up the American girl. To her, the freedom of manner and independence of character are in bad taste, and apt to lead to results that may not be named. If statistical prooi' be submitted to her that such an education is not incompatible with tnorality, she will respond that it may suit the character of the American, but would never answer for the French girl. If she be frank, she will say that she would sooner see her daughter take the veil than follow the transatlantic mode of life. But this would never be said to an American - the rules of politeness forbid it; such confidences are for tho ear of her own people. If asked by an American what she thiuks of his young countrywomen, she will probably answer that they are "charming:" henee the English and American charges of insincerity usually laid upou her shoulders. She doubtless says to herself, " A quoi bon 'i let us live peacel'ully together while we can, and make each other happy." When there is a necessity for using a sharp tongue, it is hardly necessary to add, she is not