Haughty English , lively French , sober Germans , handsome Spaniards , ugly Russians , meek Jews , free-and-easy Americans , all drive , sit , or saunter here , chatting over the news , and criticizing the latest celebrity who has arrived -- Ristori or Dickens , Victor Emmanuel or the Queen of the Sandwich Islands . The equipages are as varied as the company and attract as much attention , especially the low basket barouches in which ladies drive themselves , with a pair of dashing ponies , gay nets to keep their voluminous flounces from overflowing the diminutive vehicles , and little grooms on the perch behind . Along this walk , on Christmas Day , a tall young man walked slowly , with his hands behind him , and a somewhat absent expression of countenance . He looked like an Italian , was dressed like an Englishman , and had the independent air of an American -- a combination which caused sundry pairs of feminine eyes to look approvingly after him , and sundry dandies in black velvet suits , with rose-colored neckties , buff gloves , and orange flowers in their buttonholes , to shrug their shoulders , and then envy him his inches . There were plenty of pretty faces to admire , but the young man took little notice of them , except to glance now and then at some blonde girl in blue . Presently he strolled out of the promenade and stood a moment at the crossing , as if undecided whether to go and listen to the band in the Jardin Publique , or to wander along the beach toward Castle Hill . The quick trot of ponies ' feet made him look up , as one of the little carriages , containing a single young lady , came rapidly down the street . The lady was young , blonde , and dressed in blue . He stared a minute , then his whole face woke up , and , waving his hat like a boy , he hurried forward to meet her . `` Oh , Laurie , is it really you ? I thought you 'd never come ! '' cried Amy , dropping the reins and holding out both hands , to the great scandalization of a French mamma , who hastened her daughter 's steps , lest she should be demoralized by beholding the free manners of these ` mad English ' . `` I was detained by the way , but I promised to spend Christmas with you , and here I am . '' `` How is your grandfather ? When did you come ? Where are you staying ? '' `` Very well -- last night -- at the Chauvain . I called at your hotel , but you were out . '' `` I have so much to say , I do n't know where to begin ! Get in and we can talk at our ease .
I was going for a XXXXX and longing for company .
attention band beach drive girl lady man manners promenade walk