g
girl an education that shall really develop her character and her
faculties. Why should the education of girls be arrested at eighteen,
and the apprenticeship of their brothers be continued to
one-and-twenty?" This query was launched into the air, but Lady
Angleby's prominent blue eyes seemed to appeal to Bessie, who was
visibly dismayed at the personal nature of the suggestion.

Mr. Fairfax smiled and bade her speak, and then laughing, she said,
"Because at eighteen girls tire of grammar and dictionaries and precepts
for the conduct of life. We are women, and want to try life itself."

"And what do you know to fit you for life?" said Lady Angleby firmly.

"Nothing, except by instinct and precept."

"Exactly so. And where is your experience? You have none. Girls plunge
into life at eighteen destitute of experience--weak, foolish, ignorant
of men and themselves. No wonder the world is encumbered with so many
helpless poor creatures as it is."

"I should not like to live with only girls till one-and-twenty. What
experience could we teach each other?" said Bessie, rather at sea. A
notion flashed across her that Lady Angleby might be talking nonsense,
but as her grandfather seemed to listen with deference, she could not be
sure.

"Girls ought to be trained in logic, geometry, and physical science to
harden their mental fibre; and how can they be so trained if their
education is to cease at eighteen?" Then with a modest tribute to her
own undeveloped capacities, the great lady cried, "Oh, what I might have
done if I had enjoyed the advantages I claim for others!"

"You don't know. You have never yet been thrown on your own resources,"
said Bessie with an air of infinite suggestion.

Lady Angleby stared in cold astonishment, but Bessie preserved her gay
self-possession. Lady Angleby's cold stare was to most persons utterly
confusing. Miss Burleigh, an inattentive listener (perhaps because her
state of being was always that of a passive listener), gently observed
that she had no idea what any of them would do if they were thrown on
their own resources.

"No idea is ever expected from you, Mary," said her aunt, and turned her
stony regard upon the poor lady, causing her to collapse with a silent
shiver. Bessie felt indignant. What was this towering old woman, with
her theory of feminine freedom and practice of feminine tyranny? There
was a momentary hush, and then Lady Angleby with pompous complacency
resumed, addr