l according to
current conventional opinion, it seems to me that such a proceeding
could become reconciled with positive morality in the future.

In short, whoever understands the true nature of sexual ethics will
always find a means of accomplishing good actions and avoiding bad
ones, at the same time satisfying his normal appetites, provided these
injure no one.

The truly moral man will never become the accomplice of such a social
iniquity as proxenetism with prostitution and all its satellites, but
will oppose them with all his power. He will always avoid doing wrong
to any one by his sexual appetite; and if his passion drives him to a
thoughtless act, he will do his utmost to redress the bad effects
which may result from it.

The psychological action produced by conjugal infidelity merits
special attention. It depends on the more or less egoistic or
altruistic qualities of the one who becomes enamored of a third
person. I have observed the two chief varieties of cases. If the
guilty husband has naturally moral and social sentiments, his
extra-nuptial love renders him still more affectionate toward his
legitimate wife. He eases his conscience by becoming more indulgent to
his wife. When his amorous intoxication is over, he will try to avoid
everything which may damage the reputation of the other woman, and
will provide for her future. If there are children by this adultery,
he will provide for them.

It is the same with a married woman who is in love with another man.
In this case the whole personality is more powerfully involved than in
man. But on the other hand, the natural energy of the woman will lead
her to try and arrange a marriage between her lover and some other
good woman, and to resist coitus with him.

If the matter goes as far as complete infidelity, and even without it,
various reactions may be observed. When her sentiments are monogamous,
as is the case with most women, the love of a woman for her husband
disappears and is replaced by pity. She easily becomes peevish in her
resignation. She often seeks divorce, even when adultery has not taken
place. When she is polyandrous, as is the case with many hysterical
women, she is quite capable of lavishing her caresses on her husband
as well as her lover, a thing which is impossible for normal women.

What induces want of respect for his wife in the unfaithful egoist, is
not so much the monogamous sentiment, which is somewhat exceptional in
man, bu