I have had such a time writing Mr. Bang’s narrative, hours last night
and hours to-day. For one thing this writing keeps me from being a
burden on Mumsie. Uncle says there will be nothing doing in society
between Christmas and the New Year. I wonder why he said this.
Last night as I lay in bed I thought of many things. I certainly don’t
wish to go West, where the manhood is of the type of Mr. Bang. Too
rough! Too unrefined! This is my world in the East, a gentleworld, where
the men instead of struggling for rude wealth, help the girls to enjoy
themselves. I must get into society; I’m determined on that. I won’t be
put off by Jack’s or Uncle’s prejudices, but I must act discreetly, even
covertly. I must make friends with Mrs. Mount and her set. I know such
things can be done. Uncle gave me a hint when he said excellence in
sport was a qualification. How am I to learn to skate, to waltz? Mr.
Bang must teach me.
So this morning, notwithstanding it was Sunday, I started a discussion
by saying I wished to learn to waltz. The upshot was as I hoped—Mr.
Bang offered to take me skating at Badger Lake.
The cars took us there. The small boy was much in evidence, but this had
its compensation in that it lessened the probability of any nice people
being there and seeing me with my cavalier. I know this would sound to
another extremely snobbish, but I realize that, as Mr. Bang has been a
visitor to this city a number of times, and has not been taken up, my
chances will be lessened if I am seen too much with him. If Mr. Bang is
an example of manly virtue, if he lacks “side” and affectation, and is
guiltless of all those foibles he and Uncle condemn in others, I can’t
say much for his success socially.
He was very kind and quite a proficient teacher, and I believe I made
progress.
I have told Mumsie I am writing a book and told her not to tell anybody
at all, on her word of honour and all that. This minimizes the chances
of discovery by the men folk.