This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1870 edition. Excerpt: ... EASTERN PILGRIMS. CHAPTER I. LONDON TO MUNICH. THE Holy Land seems to be considered quite the tour for a gentleman. "And a strong lady may accompany her husband," says Dr. Macleod. So when two friends and myself resolved, in the summer of 1868, to absent ourselves for a year from home, for the purpose of visiting scenes endeared to us by so many hallowed associations, great was the consternation expressed by our friends at the idea of three ladies venturing on so lengthened a pilgrimage alone. "Do you think they will ever come back? They are going amongst Mohammedans and barbarians," said some, who knew of our intention. But for what reason? The means of communication are now so much improved, the art of providing for a traveller's comfort is carried to such perfection, that any woman of ordinary B prudence (without belonging to the class called strong-minded) can find little difficulty in arranging matters for her own convenience. And if our education does not enable us to protect ourselves from the influence of such dangerous opinions as, it is said, we shall hear in the varied society with which it may be our lot to mingle, what is that education worth? But before going further, let me introduce the reader to our party. Three is a very manageable number. We are all sisters in affection, though only two are so by birth. We are provided with the best of all auxiliaries--viz: a knowledge of the French, German, and Italian languages. A courier we do not want, as without his services we are in a much more advantageous position for gathering information. We agree to a division of labour. Violet makes herself responsible for the management at hotels, and for the direction of the party in general; Edith examines the accounts; Agnes studies...