gle. They have
at all events personal delicacy. But what I insist upon is, that
Winifred would rather marry than not. And we must carefully bear that
fact in mind. A strained ideal is as bad, practically, as no ideal at
all. Only the most exceptional girl will believe it her duty to remain
single as an example and support to what we call the odd women; yet
_that_ is the most human way of urging what you desire. By taking up
the proud position that a woman must be altogether independent of
sexual things, you damage your cause. Let us be glad if we put a few of
them in the way of living single with no more discontent than an
unmarried man experiences.'

'Surely that's an unfortunate comparison,' said Rhoda coldly. 'What man
lives in celibacy? Consider that unmentionable fact, and then say
whether I am wrong in refusing to forgive Miss Royston. Women's battle
is not only against themselves. The necessity of the case demands what
you call a strained ideal. I am seriously convinced that before the
female sex can be raised from its low level there will have to be a
widespread revolt against sexual instinct. Christianity couldn't spread
over the world without help of the ascetic ideal, and this great
movement for woman's emancipation must also have its ascetics.'

'I can't declare that you are wrong in that. Who knows? But it isn't
good policy to preach it to our young disciples.'

'I shall respect your wish; but--'

Rhoda paused and shook her head.

'My dear,' said the elder woman gravely, 'believe me that the less we
talk or think about such things the better for the peace of us all. The
odious fault of working-class girls, in town and country alike, is that
they are absorbed in preoccupation with their animal nature. We, thanks
to our education and the tone of our society, manage to keep that in
the background. Don't interfere with this satisfactory state of things.
Be content to show our girls that it is their duty to lead a life of
effort--to earn their bread and to cultivate their minds. Simply ignore
marriage--that's the wisest. Behave as if the thing didn't exist. You
will do positive harm by taking the other course--the aggressive
course.'

'I shall obey you.'

'Good, humble creature!' laughed Miss Barfoot. 'Come, let us be off to
Chelsea. Did Miss Grey finish that copy for Mr. Houghton?'

'Yes, it has gone to post.'

'Look, here's a big manuscript from our friend the antiquary. Two of
the girls must get t