Pioneer Work in Opening the Medical Profession to WomenBlackwell, Elizabeth
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Pioneer Work in Opening the Medical Profession to Women
Blackwell, Elizabeth
Blackwell, Elizabeth, 1821-1910; Women physicians -- United States -- Biography
The people here begin to interest me more than they did at
first; all continue very kind, and I think well satisfied.
When I came here, I did not care one straw what was
thought of my personal appearance, I dressed entirely from
a principle of self-respect; now I sometimes dress for
others, and feel a slight satisfaction if the glass tells
me I shall not scare people. Is not this a good sign?...
Do not imagine I am going to make myself a whole just at
present; the fact is I cannot find my other half here,
but only about a sixth, which would not do. There are two
rather eligible young males here, whose mothers have for
some time been electioneering for wives; one tall, the
other short, with very pretty names, of good family, and
with tolerable fortune, but unfortunately one seems to
me a dolt, the other, well, not wise, so I keep them at a
respectful distance, which you know I am quite capable of
doing.
There is a spot called Lovers’ Grove, about three-quarters
of a mile from the town, a sweet place on the river bank,
encircled by trees, with a hill behind, and a delightful walk
by the river-side connecting it with the ‘city.’ This used
to be my Sunday afternoon stroll, but unfortunately it is
the favourite resort of the beaux and belles of Henderson,
who, during the summer, after afternoon church, regularly
promenade thither, in groups of four or five, and meet
accidentally on purpose. Here they stroll about, recline
on the grass, watch the steamboats, flirt a very little (it
being Sunday), and carve one another’s names, and sentimental
verses, on the unfortunate locust trees. I had many offers
of an escort thither and as many beaux as I might desire.
I went once or twice, but at last got dreadfully tired of
it, so while my party was busily engaged round a tree, I
started off on a good brisk walk home, where, some time
after, the others arrived, in some consternation to know
how or why I had so suddenly vanished. I laughed at them
and their sentimental doings, and they have not invited me
since.
I had a very pleasant drive yesterday to make a bridal call
on the Presbyterian minister, who has been quite polite.
The country reminded me in some parts of our charming Staten
Island drives, though the scenery here will not, of course,
compare with that little gem.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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