To Colonel Rivers.
Nov. 14.
So you disapprove male friendships, my sweet Colonel! I thought you
had better ideas of things in general.
Fitzgerald and I have been disputing on French and English manners,
in regard to gallantry.
The great question is, Whether a man is more hurt by the imprudent
conduct of his daughter or his wife?
Much may be said on both sides.
There is some hazard in suffering coquetry in either; both
contribute to give charms to conversation, and introduce ease and
politeness into society; but both are dangerous to manners.
Our customs, however, are most likely to produce good effects, as
they give opportunity for love marriages, the only ones which can make
worthy minds happy.
The coquetry of single women has a point of view consistent with
honor; that of married women has generally no point of view at all; it
is, however of use _pour passer le tems_.
As to real gallantry, the French style depraves the minds of men
least, ours is most favorable to the peace of families.