LETTER VI.
SOCIAL AMUSEMENTS—MENTAL PLEASURES.
Possibly you may imagine, my friend, that the routine of employment sketched in my last might prove the significance of the old proverb, dulness arising from "all work, and no play." Not at all. Every day was lark-like. There was no dulness among us, no nervousness. Indeed, I scarcely ever heard nerves mentioned, and did not suppose that I had any. I am convinced that feminine household industry is conducive to health, and a happy flow of spirits.
Yet there were plenty of amusements in those days, and, from leaving school at so early a period, I was sooner ready to be their participant. I have sometimes wondered that my mother should permit me at thirteen to mingle in those evening sleighing-parties which were the favorite and most exciting kind of winter festivity. Methinks there was more snow then than now, and that it lasted longer. At any rate, it was faithfully improved. The plan of those parties which I
