our day is the education of
women in self-respect and self-restraint. There are plenty of
people--men chiefly, but a few women also of a certain temperament--who
cry for a reckless individualism in these matters. They would tell you
that she behaved laudably, that she was _living out herself_--and
things of that kind. But I didn't think you shared such views.'

'I don't, altogether. "The education of women in self-respect." Very
well. Here is a poor woman whose self-respect has given way under
grievous temptation. Circumstances have taught her that she made a wild
mistake. The man gives her up, and bids her live as she can; she is
induced to beggary. Now, in that position a girl is tempted to sink
still further. The letter of two lines and an enclosed cheque would as
likely as not plunge her into depths from which she could never be
rescued. It would assure her that there was no hope. On the other hand,
we have it in our power to attempt that very education of which you
speak. She has brains, and doesn't belong to the vulgar. It seems to me
that you are moved by illogical impulses--and certainly anything but
kind ones.'

Rhoda only grew more stubborn.

'You say she yielded to a grievous temptation. What temptation? Will it
bear putting into words?'

'Oh yes, I think it will,' answered Miss Barfoot, with her gentlest
smile. 'She fell in love with the man.

'Fell in love!' Concentration of scorn was in this echo. 'Oh, for what
isn't that phrase responsible!'

'Rhoda, let me ask you a question on which I have never ventured. Do
you know what it is to be in love?'

Miss Nunn's strong features were moved as if by a suppressed laugh; the
colour of her cheeks grew very slightly warm.

'I am a normal human being,' she answered, with an impatient gesture.
'I understand perfectly well what the phrase signifies.'

'That is no answer, my dear. Have you ever been in love with any man?'

'Yes. When I was fifteen.'

'And not since,' rejoined the other, shaking her head and smiling. 'No,
not since?'

'Thank Heaven, no!'

'Then you are not very well able to judge this case. I, on the other
hand, can judge it with the very largest understanding. Don't smile so
witheringly, Rhoda. I shall neglect your advice for once.'

'You will bring this girl back, and continue teaching her as before?'

'We have no one here that knows her, and with prudence she need never
be talked about by those of our friends who did.'

'Oh, wea