years ago, so that idea is obsolete, excepting as a bridal tour; then,
too, the more peaceably inclined, who have not seen the European
elephant, would prefer to wait until that country is again in a state of
quiescence. But Chicago is constantly sending out her adventure-loving
citizens upon the Pacific road, each one of whom looks, sees, admires,
and suddenly develops an epistolary talent hitherto undreamed of by his
most enthusiastic friends. There's our MELISSA, for instance--she never
used to have a pen in her hand more than once in the course of six
months, and _now_--why, we really seem to have another SEVIGNE budding
right in our midst. She went to California, saw all the sights, and
wondered, and admired, and _wrote_. The floods of eloquence that had so
long been slumbering now burst forth beyond all hindrance or control.
She stopped at Salt Lake, and called upon BRIGHAM YOUNG, and was so
disgusted with the mighty prophet that she would not look at him. Yet,
considering that circumstance, she described his personal appearance
with wonderful vividness and accuracy. She indulged in the usual amount
of stern remonstrance and indignation, that seem to be almost
indispensable to the occasion. ALONZO asked why she called upon the
dreadful man, and somewhat maliciously inquired if it was not for the
express purpose of being shocked and horrified, thus affording a fine
chance to moralize, and display the elevation of her own principles,
and, in fact, help to fill out a good article; but MELISSA most
vigorously denied the soft impeachment. Then she saw the sad wives,
whose days of sunshine are gone by, and the merry ones,--who don the cap
and bells deliberately; and for their benefit she expended just the
proper degree of astonishment and sympathy--so fully substantiating the
sound and praiseworthy condition of her own mind and heart.

This excellent young woman also caught glimpses of the red man, and here
was another glorious opportunity to display her literary genius--and she
did not let the occasion slip--O no! it produced a plaintive little
rhapsody of pity and regret, such as "Mr. Lo!" is apt to inspire in the
hearts of the young and romantic, although if MELISSA were to find
herself alone in a forest, with the faintest suspicion of "Mr. Lo!"
meandering anywhere near, she would most likely apply her hand
involuntarily to her trembling chignon, and regret as keenly as all
_hard-hearted_ persons, that civilization h