The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1880-01-08

circle with meaning smile, and went
on: "By the way, where are your friendsf
Of course they are coming tonight, as
you are here after your long desertionT
Something very like flush spread over
the Professors pale complexion as he
hastily explained that the ladies' in ques-
ton were not coming, the elder daughter,
being more ailing than usual As for his
desertion, he was fattered that it should
have been noticed; he had been much
occupied during the last few weeks; and
he hastened to add that he knew nothing
of the expected lecture, and counted Oh
the Marchesa for enlightenment.
The lady was n0wise softened. That
members Of her circle should wander after
strange gods was an almost unforgivable
offense, and with feint of warm interest
in Mrs. Peel and her daughters, she pro-
ceeded to ask string of questions as to
their means and habits.
The. Professor parried her inquiries as
well as he was able, but he was no adept
in the difficult art of replying without
answering: so, though he kept to gener-
alities, his hostess and all present drew
their own conclusions from his evident
intimacy with the English family.
"Hum! I'm sure it is very self-deny-
ing gof you,' remarked the old lady, with a
grim irony, "to derange all your habits
to such an extent, for, like the generality
of English, your friends are very dull,
and play but poor part in society"
The Professor felt bound to vindicate
persons whom he had introduced to the
Marchesa's circle. "They are very intel
ligent, can assure you, and have plenty
to say in their own home," he responded,
with much warmth. cit is hardly a
proof of dullness if, when in your COM
pany, they prefer to listen rather than
to talk. They are genuinely interested
in italian life and literature"
"Well, we won't quarrel about your
friends" said the Marchesa, in less acid
tone. "The girl is rather nice-looking,
though she does dress so vilely."
"But the English are dull, there is no
doubt of that" here interposed the rasp-
ing voice of lean, red-bearded man who
was leaningaover the back of the Marche-
sa's chair. He glanced round the room
as though hoping that some one would
contradict him; no one did, but there
was a murmur of expectation in the little
group, for Avvocato Spazzagalera was a
parsonage of some note in the town, and
had gift of saying spiteful things in an
amusing way.
He went on:
eyes! paradoxical as it may seem, it
is precisely because of their dullness that
the English give birth to so many sub
versive and dangerous doctrines. On
this female education question, for in
stance: only people with beer and wa
ter in their veins instead of blood would
attempt to spoil women by thrusting
useless knowledge down their throats.
The less woman knows, the better; let
her honor her husband and take care of
her children, that is all that is required
of her. A woman who studies is capable
of burning her husbands soup
There was roar at this, and the
speaker went on:
"Of course I allude to the generality
of the sex; our distinguished hostess has
raised herself above the ordinary condi-
tions of womankind. To genius all is
allowed, everything gives way. Other
women must be content with the privi-
leges of youth and beauty"
"And resign themselves to old age and
neglect" broke in Professor Marcotti in
the studiously serene tones that often
betray inward heat. Spazzagalera's
voice and manner always irritated his
nerves., and, like all present, he knew
that the advocates wife was one Of the
most ill-used women in the town. And
his spectacied eyes glanced wonderingly
at the laughing ladies on the sofa How
could they hear their sex SO insultingly
spoken of without open protest? 1t viii
be seen that our Professor had not stud
led the current controversies or he woulC
have known that fercest opponent to th'
progress of woman are to be fount
among her own sex. The Advocate dix
+ not glare at his interrupter, for he wa!
we'll accustomed to control his feature
in public. On the contrary, he smiled
, blandly.
. "Old age and neglect" he echoed
"Well, YOU know the one does imply tn
: other. can speak frankly here. VIII,
f should we veil the laws Of nature will
sentimental shams3 Men in all time
have valued that which is necessary +
him. Young women are necessary, 'ergt
they are valued. What ceases to be use
full is rejected and cast aside. That
the law Of nature, and you, my dear Prt
4 fessor, as a man of science can not b
v prepared to deny it,"
/ eff you carry out that theory, you ca
a have no respect for women in the al
:. >. stract," rejoined the Professor, hotl!
It "yet, suppose you respect your ow
o mother%
- - "Well, yesl because she is my motl
, err" drawled the Avvocato; "but VIII
,, should that compel me to respect othe
e mems mothers? l don't believe in a
+ + truistic philosophy, and what is more,
a a am sure no one here does believe in i
" " What do you say, Marchesa?"
+ TTo BE CONTINUED.