Socially,
a woman could be autocratic, I was told, but in all things else she
should be dependent on the stronger sex.
"But there is no stronger-sex person for me to be dependent upon,
even were I willing to depend," I said, and made effort to keep back
what I must not say to her, but surely would have said to others.
For years I had been the recipient of her bounty, the object of her
care, and she still thought of me as something to be protected. That
I should prefer to work, prefer to take my place in the world of
women-workers, was beyond her grasp.
"Mr. Chesmond understood when I married him--it is part of our
marriage contract--that you were to have the same advantages as his
daughter. He has very willingly given you these. If you no longer
care to accept his protection, you can marry. Opportunities such as
come to few girls have come to you. A home of your own is yours for
the taking. In my day--"
"But this is not your day!" I bit my lip. When Aunt Matilda's face
got a certain shade of red and her breath became short and quick, I
was uneasy.
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