A Frenchman would have danced with rage; an Englishman would have wanted to know whose fault it was and have threatened reprisals.

But the Dutchman merely looked a little pained, a little surprised, and in a minute or two was preparing a friendly group of the officials of the tram which had caused the accident.

I do not put the incident forward as typical; but certainly one may travel far in Holland without seeing exhibitions of temper.

I mentioned the nation's equability to the young Dutchman in the canal boat between Rotterdam and Delft.

"Ah!" he said, "you should go to Brabant.