The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1879-05-15

T y p
enough was she. as well as his parents,
when at last the yonng collegian, proud
Of his record in the past, and full Of
hope for the future, left them to add 70
his stock Of knowledge all that comes TO
one from travel among the most culti-
waited peoples Of the Old World, from
observation aud from a keen apprecia-
ton Of the beautiful in art and the sub
lime in nature.
Aud what OF Elinor's future She
still cherished the most earnest desire
to fit herself to earn her living, but she
realized now something Of the difficult
ties that lay in her way. Her sympa-
thetie nature led her to prefer some oc-
cupation that would enable her to bene-
tit others while supporting herself, and
she therefore, after much deliberation
aud consultation with an old friend Of
her mothers, announced to Mr.. and
Mrs. Stoddard her desire to attend
medical college and prepare herself to
become a physician.
Mr.. Stoddard received the proposal
with laughter and mild ridicule.
Mrs. Stoddard was Mortified and in
dignant "to think that a girl in her
family should disgrace herself by talk
ing of doing such an unwomanly
thing " She said she was "astonished
beyond measure at herr" and wanted to
know If she knew that " no one in their
set would recognize her at all, if she
were to do such brazen thing"
And so she went on, till Elinor felt
that she could bear it no longer, though
she had prepared herself to hear much
that was disagreeable and trying to her
feelings.
/ Mr.. Stoddard, seeing that Eiiuor felt
wounded, told her that he really did
not see how they could get along with
out her, now that Frank was gone, and
asked her if she didn't think she could
content herself to stay with them till
he came back, at least.
Elinor gave him a grateful look, but
U hNANAN 7lAE NnaAA NuAAl uAallu ANAEEAA ~
answer Mrs. 5. broke in:
"What would Frank say? He would
be utterly shocked to know you think
I Of such a course -
/ Elinor had thought Of that and pom
dered much over il, and felt that she
did not want him to know Of it till she
had really made a beginning, when she
believed be would be sensible and not
wish her to turn back, and would stand
by her in spite of dislike to her chosen
profession. But she could make no re-
ply, and began to feel that she would
have TO give up her cherished plans, for
the present at least. She turned to Mr..
and Ms. StoidarI and said, with much
feeling:
"If you really wish me to stay be-
cause you are lonely, and 1 can make
you less so, l will do as you wish but l
cannot feel that my desire to study
medicine is wrong or unwOmanly, aud
still think that, when you no longer
need me, ought to prepare myself to
be of some use in the world. What
good, pure women have done with credit
to themselves, and benefit to others, can
be no disgrace to me to attempt, aud if
there are those who misjudge my mo-
tives and look upon me with contempt,
l cannot avoid it, nor do l think their
good opinion Of very great value; but
I am grieved that you feel so about it.,
I for | realize what debt | owe your
kindness, and would be most thankful
could ever hope to repay
"HJsh hushr' said Mr.. Stoddard.
You have done more for us than we
have done for you; but don't see any
use OF your rushing of just yet to closet
I yourself with lot Of dry bones you're
young yet; wait while, and maybe
you will conclude to become a silent
partner in medical firm by and by
which think would be much pleasautel
for you, after allr
Yes" said Mrs. Stoddard, who fell
so nonplussed by the situation that sh,
had left more Of the conversation to hel
husband than she usually did. ayes
Elinor woman's place is the home
and men DO not respect a woman who
| pushes herself into their professions anC
eompetes with them. Stay with as til
you 90 to a home Of your own, for since
my health has become so poor l really
feel that l need you; the servants re
quire so much care aud watching, and
while Frank is gone, the house will b,
quite deserted if you go too"
So the sacrifice was made, though moi
without real regret, for this quiet
thoughtful girl had a will of her own
and the superficial education she had
received had not been able to dwarf her
mind, though it had not developed II
as it shonld have done; but she meant
to learn something more solid than had
been provided her, and, though she mad
t, give up her plan for the present, she
procured some medical books and set
anart = portion Of each day to faithful
study. ..,,uua,7
4 teacher in one Of the Westfield pub
I 10 sebooIs was startled the other dav at