quite simple. Such are the very points indeed I like in them.

I was mistaken when I thought that we are not supposed to expect anything interesting in first-class society. Although I cannot say I have seen it, I am glad to say (at least from what I have seen) that the English women carry their family history and a fat moroccocovered Bible quite lightly. And the most charming part with them is that, not only do they know how to talk, but also very well understand how to listen to the others, and besides, how to raise and drop their eyelashes. I often read in a book that it is the custom in English society for each to monopolise one woman, because she does not know how to be charming to a whole party. Now I think that such is a groundless accusation. In truth, what a delightful art the English women show in the reception-room; again, what a delightful art of theirs.

It is certainly a great treat to see them tastefully dressed. I often walk down the streets with one purpose, and that is to look at them. (I am sure they do not blame me for such a devotion.) But I confess that I had rather a poor opinion of them ten years ago; I even laughed and denounced their poor taste in dressing. I said then: "These

English women hardly know how to raise their own skirts." They have nothing to do with their skirts now, since they wear such a light one which makes them look quite lovely, even coquettish. These ten years, it seems to me, taught them a great deal of dressing. And they have learnt well, I should like to say. I remember I had written, ten years ago, to my friend at home that the English women wore such ugly shoes (or boots, if you like), and their ankles might not have been charming enough to expose; but I should like to know now where is a woman whose shoes might be the subject to laugh at. Oh, what lovely shoes they wear now.

Not only in the matter of dressing, but their faces (of course, their shape and mane), had become much more attractive. To say they are as fresh as a daisy does them hardly any justice, since the daisy is more a flower of the countryside. I should like to compare them with chrysanthemums, which have recently been much beautified by horticulturists. The general culture improved their unsightly appearance. And what beautiful hair they have! It is said in Japan that woman's hair is always strong enough to pull an elephant. Where is a

thing, I wonder, that an English woman cannot pull by her hair?

Although I never pretend to be a critic of women, I think I can say that I can see many more beautiful woman in five minutes in Bond Street than in any other place in the world.

V

I have during my present stay in England many incidents which, little as they are, shall not be forgotten. The following is one of them: As I had some important business to see a friend upon when I was in Oxford, I thought it proper to telegraph to him beforehand. I handed to the clerk of the neighbouring post-office a paper with writing to the effect that I should arrive at Puttington at half-past seven that night. Then I returned to my place and was busy making ready for my departure when the same clerk to whom I had given my message called on me with my telegraph paper to ask if I was not mistaken, as there was no train by which I would arrive at Puttington at half-past seven from Oxford. It most forcibly struck my Japanese mind that this act was the sweetest proof of English con