There is nothing in New England corresponding at all to the feudal aristocracies of the Old World. Whether it be owing to the stock from which we were derived, or to the practical working of our institutions, or to the abrogation of the technical "law of honor," which draws a sharp line between the personally responsible class of "gentlemen" and the unnamed multitude of those who are not expected to risk their lives for an abstraction, -whatever be the cause, we have no such aristocracy here as that which grew up out of the ...
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There is nothing in New England corresponding at all to the feudal aristocracies of the Old World. Whether it be owing to the stock from which we were derived, or to the practical working of our institutions, or to the abrogation of the technical "law of honor," which draws a sharp line between the personally responsible class of "gentlemen" and the unnamed multitude of those who are not expected to risk their lives for an abstraction, -whatever be the cause, we have no such aristocracy here as that which grew up out of the military systems of the Middle Ages. What we mean by "aristocracy" is merely the richer part of the community, that live in the tallest houses, drive real carriages, (not "kerridges,") kidglove their hands, and French-bonnet their ladies' heads, give parties where the persons who call them by the above title are not invited, and have a provokingly easy way of dressing, walking, talking, and nodding to people, as if they felt entirely at home, and would not be embarrassed in the least, if they met the Governor, or even the President of the United States, face to face. Some of these great folks are really well-bred, some of them are only purse-proud and assuming, -but they form a class, and are named as above in the common speech.
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Add this copy of Elsie Venner to cart. $21.95, good condition, Sold by Earthlight Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Walla Walla, WA, UNITED STATES, published 1892 by Houghton, Mifflin and Company.
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Seller's Description:
Good. Volume V only. Published in 1892. Contains very minor library markings. Good. Light to moderate shelf wear to covers/corners; satisfaction guaranteed. Hardcover lacking the Dust Jacket.
Add this copy of Elsie Venner to cart. $24.00, like new condition, Sold by Olde Patrick's rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Fairfax, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1895 by Houghton Mifflin.
