Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Our Heroine Asks, "Where are the Jusserands of Yesteryear?"

This excerpt from Auchincloss’ biography of Teddy Roosevelt made our heroine laugh heartily in appreciation of the tongue-in-cheek chivalry of a bygone age. (H/T: Izzy)

TR needed a good deal of physical exercise, particularly to control a waistline responding to his hearty meals. He played tennis with aides, but he preferred riding and long hikes. On one of the latter, accompanied by some more or less willing diplomats, he encountered a stream that could be forded only by the removal of all clothing. J. J. Jusserand, the French ambassador and TR’s good friend, emulated his host except for a pair of pink gloves. Asked why he retained these, he replied: “In case we should run into ladies.”

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

So what you're telling me is that Teddy Roosevelt swam naked through a stream with a man who was wearing pink gloves. Huh.

Frank said...

screw this girlish nonsense. are we having a Derby Party or not?

Frank said...

if you've run out of things to write about there is always NASCAR chat.

People love NASCAR chat.

Our Heroine said...

How do they feel about Lyle Lovett? 'Cuz that's what I wrote about.