"The books?" he once said; "well, I don＇t know much about the books. You must ask Ralph about that. I＇ve always ascertained for myself—got my information in the natural form. I never asked many questions even; I just kept quiet and took notice. Of course I＇ve had very good opportunities—better than what a young lady would naturally have. I＇m of an inquisitive disposition,though you mightn＇t think it if you were to watch me: however much you might watch me I should be watching you more. I＇ve been watching these people for upwards of thirty-five years, and I don＇t hesitate to say that I＇ve acquired considerable information. It＇s a very 昀ne country on the whole—昀ner perhaps than what we give it credit for on the other side. Several improvements I should like to see introduced; but the necessity of them doesn＇t seem to be generally felt as yet. When the necessity of a thing is generally felt they usually manage to accomplish it; but they seem to feel pretty comfortable about waiting till then. I certainly feel more at home among them than I expected to when I first came over; I suppose it＇s because I＇ve had a considerable degree of success. When you＇re successful you naturally feel more at home."