I am persuaded that the gentler sex is far less given to
deceit than our own; but their opinions and feelings, on the other hand,
are formed with infinitely more frequency and facility, and are more
readily acted upon by passing and occasional influences. Their very
susceptibility to the most light and casual impressions, is, of itself,
calculated to render vacillating their estimate of things and
characters. They are creatures of such delicate construction, and their
affections are of such like character, that, like all fine machinery
they are perpetually operated on by the atmosphere, the winds, the dew,
and the night. The frost blights and the sun blisters; and a kind or
stern accent elevates or depresses, where, with us, it might pass
unheeded or unheard.
"We are more cunning--more shy and cautious; and seldom, after a certain
age, let our affections out of our own custody. We learn very soon in
life--indeed, we are compelled to learn, in our own defence, at a very
early period--to go into the world as if we were going into battle.
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