He had the air of a country gentleman not accustomed to mix much in society, perfectly polite, but not easy in his address and conversation, and not graceful in his movements." Although we are not accustomed to think of modern Americans as shy, the most distinguished American author of our time was probably the shyest of men.

Nathaniel Hawthorne was shy to the extent of morbidity.

We have observed him, when a stranger entered the room where he was, turn his back for the purpose of avoiding recognition.

And yet, when the crust of his shyness was broken, no man could be more cordial and genial than Hawthorne.
We observe a remark in one of Hawthorne's lately-published 'Notebooks,' [1814] that on one occasion he met Mr.Helps in society, and found him "cold." And doubtless Mr.Helps thought the same of him.

It was only the case of two shy men meeting, each thinking the other stiff and reserved, and parting before their mutual film of shyness had been removed by a little friendly intercourse.