The American Girl Abroad.

Otago Witness, Issue 2317, 28 July 1898, Page 61

The American Girl Abroad.

MOMKA, POPFA, AND THE TAILOR,

That witty production, by Sara Joaimette Duncan. "The American Girl in London," is now followed by a worthy sequel in "Tho Voyage of Consolation," published by Mothuen and Co. Whether it would have been written without the "Tramp" and "Tho Innocents Abroad" is a matter for private speculation, but it contains qualities ot dialogue and au insight into the American personality for which one cannot be bitliicieiitly grateful. We aro prepared (pay? the Pall Mall Gn?ettc) to hate tho man — we abeady hate the woman — who is not amused by Misr Mamoie Wjclc's subtle analysis of hei excellent paionts ar>d the countrymen whom she mecis on hor travels. She leaves us in no doubt as to hor own admirable qualities and insight, .'she probably occupied in her family, though sho does not exactly say so. somewhat the position of a roal young American lady who recently enteied her party in a ship's books as " Miss , mother and maid ; " and wo are sure she deserved it. She seldom falls below her own level, and we ere in doubt where to pick for quotations. The following, however, is a fair sample of her style — the scene is a London tailor's:

"We wish," taid .Momma '" to leek at gentleman's .iiiithig c ;."

I-: it for—

"Yes, nwchni, cerl.i'nlr. for "-

" For this gentleman/ said Momma, witK a wave of her hand. The senator, being indicated, acknowledged it. " Yes," ho said, "I am your, subject. My idea would be something aristocratic in quality but democratic in cvt — the sort of thing you would make up for a member of Mr Gladstone's family. Do I make myself clear? "

■'Ccitaiuly, sir. Ordinary morning dress, sir, or evening dress, or both? Will vcu kindly stop thu way, sir? " " We will all step this way," said Momma. " ft will be a morning coat and waistcoat, then, sir, will it noli? 4.nd trou&crs of"

"Well, no," ~tho senator replied; "some •thing I could wear around pretty much all day."

My calm regard forbade the gentleman's outfitter to smile even in the back, of his head.

" I think I understand, sir. Now, hero is something that is being a good deal worn just now. Beautiful fiuibh."

" Nothing brownish, thank you," said Mo:nma with decision.

" No, madam. Then perhaps you would prefer this, sir. Moro on the iron grey, 1-11. I have the same thing in a smooth finish, if you would prefer it."

"I think I would prefer it; wouldn't you, Mamie'"

The ruan brought the ?arae thing in smooth finish, and looked interrogatively at Poppa. " Oh, I prefer it too," said he with a profound assumption of intelligent interest. "Were you thinking of having tho pants made of tho same material, Augusta?" Tho gentleman's outfitter suddenly turned his back and stood for an instant struggling with something like a spasm. . . . When I cams back they were measuring the senator. '' • • M'lk braid, of course, sir? " " Augusta? " demanded the senator. "Is braid 'de aouveau?*" asked Momira, "Not precisely, madam; but the Princehas certainly worn it this season, which ho didn't last."

"Do you refer to Wales? "' aslcod Poppa. _ " Yes, sir ; lie's very generally mentioned simply as ' The Prince.' "... "I think," put in Momma, ''that braid would make a very neat finish, love." m Poppa walked slowly to the door, considering the matter. With his hand on the knob he turned round. " No," he said, " I don't think (hat's icasou enough for me. We'lo both men in publio positions, but I've jfet nothing in common with Wales. I'll have a plain hem."

Tho girl who could thus chronicle her parents in a single matter of shopping may be relied on nut to lose sight of their peculiarities during (ho multifarious incidents of Contmenlal travelling. And sho doesn't. We acquire a hearty respect for Iho senator and aii amused t-ympathy for Momma. Miss Wick's owii matrimonial afiaus form tho basis of (be story, and we are not surprised that they should have provided difficulties, for bhe is an alarming and critical young person. After assisting in somebody else's elopement, however, she contrives "to bring her own affairs satisfactorily to a close without, weakoning for a moment into sentiment. This is a trait wo like in her, and we hope to-sco more of it m fulirre instalments.