r degree than any but the most
perfect men; but that is not the question. It is whether she have
more force and capacity than man, is in fact actually able to be on
an equality."

"And, I say," returned Mrs. Tallboys, "that man has used brute force
to cramp woman's intellect and energy so long, that she has learnt
to acquiesce in her position, and to abstain from exerting herself,
so that it is only where she is partially emancipated, as in my own
country, that any idea of her powers can be gained."

"I am afraid," said Julius, "that more may be lost to the world than
is gained! No; I am not speaking from the tyrant point of view. I
am thinking whether free friction with the world way not lessen that
sweetness and tender innocence and purity that make a man's home an
ideal and a sanctuary--his best earthly influence."

"This is only sentiment. Innocence is worthless if it cannot stand
alone and protect itself!" said Mrs. Tallboys.

"I do not mean innocence unable to stand alone. It should be strong
and trustworthy, but should have the bloom on it still, not rubbed
off by contact or knowledge of evil. Desire of shielding that bloom
from the slightest breath of contamination is no small motive for
self-restraint, and therefore a great preservative to most men."

"Women purify the atmosphere wherever they go," said the lady.

"Many women do," returned Julius; "but will they retain that power
universally if they succeed in obtaining a position where there will
be less consideration for them, and they must be exposed to a
certain hardening and roughening process?"

"If so," exclaimed Mrs. Tallboys, "if men are so base, we would soon
assert ourselves. We are no frail morning glories for you to guard
and worship with restraint, lest forsooth your natural breath should
wither us away."

As she spoke the door opened, and, with a strong reek of tobacco, in
came the two other gentlemen. "Well, Rector, have you given in?"
asked the Captain. "Is Lady Rosamond to mount the pulpit
henceforth?"

"Ah! wouldn't I preach you a sermon," returned Rosamond.

"To resume," said Mrs. Tallboys, sitting very upright. "You still
go on the old assumption that woman was made for you. It is all the
same story: one man says she is for his pleasure, another for his
servant, and you, for--for his refinement. You would all have us
adjectives. Now I defy you to prove that woman is not a
substantive, created for herself."

"If