human
Did you ever see so many pretty girls together before? If you did, don't you dare say so.
gpt
But at the North the pretty women are scattered in a thousand places. You have here the whole South to draw on. Are they elected as representatives from the various districts, Mrs. Farquhar?
human
Certainly. By an election that your clumsy device of the ballot is not equal to. Why shouldn't beauty have a reputation? You see that old lady in the corner? Well, forty years ago the Springs just raved over her; everybody in the South knew her; I suppose she had an average of seven proposals a week; the young men went wild about her, followed her, toasted her, and fought duels for her possession--you don't like duels? --why, she was engaged to three men at one time, and after all she went off with a worthless fellow.
gpt
That seems to me rather a melancholy history.
human
Well, she is a most charming old lady; just as entertaining! I must introduce you. But this is history. Now look! There's the belle of Mobile, that tall, stately brunette. And that superb figure, you wouldn't guess she is the belle of Selma. There is a fascinating girl. What a mixture of languor and vivacity! Creole, you know; full blood. She is the belle of New Orleans--or one of them. Oh! do you see that Paris dress? I must look at it again when it comes around; she carries it well, too--belle of Richmond. And, see there; there's one of the prettiest girls in the South--belle of Macon. And that handsome woman --Nashville?--Louisville? See, that's the new-comer from Ohio.