The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-07-29
4 WOMAN'S
a x v" I INFLUENCE,
cHAPTER XyII-Continued.

Don't shudder any more. The places l
20, and the people meet, only hurt my
heart. A very effective hurt, too; for 1t
teaches me to appreciate my own good
fortune. and it makes me feel very re-
pretful to sit here amid so much COM
fort and luxury, and remember the many
victims Of the worlds injustice. You
could never imagine, Brian, what pas,
sionate delight that poor little crlpp!e9
girl took in the few flowers carrie9
her: and. while I watched her, coulo
not helm thinking what revelaIlon q
SIGHT oY Elmwood would be to her. !
have been thinking Of it ever since. 80
many pians have filed my heart,
hut tbev are all impossible. l feel so
belniess and-rebellious. Doctor, you
are smiling. I don't think you quite
enter into my feelings. Can you
Imagine a woman living on the pro-
ceeds of button holes, at cent and
half apiece? Agnes mother supports
herself so. She is satisfied, she told
me. when button holes are plenty.
But now they are not. Hooks and eyes
have taken their place. told Nanny
the other day that 1 liked hooks and
ewes. Now I hate them, because I
know they have taken bread from at
least one woman's mouth. And she ls
not alone feel that have been hv-
Ing in small corner OF the earGh up
to this time, and I am only Jusv
awaking to real actual life. 1t ls SAD
revelation for me. I cannot tell you
how many women I saw to-day, ana
how many others heard OF, VINO sing
the Song Of the Shirt from dayllght 10
midnight-to whom Its heart-Dreak
and want are living reality. HOW
can we talk Of the decentralization OF
the lower classes? How can we preach
to them? Shall we initiate the ex-
ample Of the man who gave Blole
when the starving woman asked lor
bread? We forget our souls when the
body is hungry; at least, .shoulo.
But, If I were one OF those women,
wearing out my life for plttance, !
should not forget that the man 1or
whom I starved lived in a palace. ana
enjoyed the luxuries purchased, Witn
nv life-blood. The world admires
such men, and calls them fortunate ana
successful, because they have made so
much wealth in few years; but l am
very much afraid that, If were IN
their place, should see wan, hungry
face on every dollar"
isn't that rather severe, Mrs. Le1gh!"
Margaret did not meet Wilson's eye
as she answered this question.
Perhaps it is. I'm afraid I always
express myself too strongly. These
things appeal to me so forcibly, and
when feel, l feel intensely"
.Then take my advice and don't 90
among them" observed Brian, practi-
cally. 1T is not true philosophy to seek
out the dark side Of life. This is not
home, and you cannot be sure into what
sort Of places your wanderings may take
YOU. or what kind Of characters you may
meet"
Margaret was thoughtful moment
lido not chance upon much refine
ment and elegance, she said presently;
but that does not affect me in any way.
I feel that could take the hand OF the
worst creature on earth and not be low
cred. You know I have a prejudice
against those people whose excessive
goodness shrinks from contact with
others-not always so much worse, only
more unfortunate than themselves.
They are the Pharisees, who thank God
they are not as their neighbors are.
Suppose we should initiate them. I like
to see the picture Of the woman cling
ing to the cross, and I confess find 1t
inspiring; but at the same time, can
not help thinking that the woman who
holds out her hand to an unfortunate
sister is more helpful and more noble.
II the world thinks otherwise disagree
with it. Don't draw down your lips in
that pathetic way, Brian. This isn't a
sermon. I sha'nt say another word.
Margaret settled back in her chair,
with an air OF determination that rather
amused Wilson.
lam on your side Of the question, |"
he replied, with smile. so is Brian,
II he chooses to admit as much.
Pm incapable of any admission just
now," put in Brian. am wholly lost
In admiration Of Margaret's facility for
disposing Of all opinions not her own,
and marching on to victory. She has
way Of bringing out her closing remarks,
which says quite decidedly There,
that's final. Dispute if you dare!' 1t is
useless to say oh, Brian!' Margaret.
The fact is true. You have a most
astonishing tenacity for your own ideas
You can out-argue the greatest loGician
on earth. Out-talk him, ! should say. :,
Thanks for the correction. Your
distinction is delicate, but obvious. N
would be too much, am sure, for any
man to give q woman credit for an
ability 10 argue. 1 wonder what poor
men will do, when they are forced to
recognize woman'S mental equality
Perhaps even then they will continue to
indulge in witty satire, at her expense,
We forgive them. To lecture us affords
them innocent amusement, and they
really haven't the grace to echo Char
aotte Bronte's prayer: When I have
nothing to say, may the Lord give me
grace to be silent.
You have US quite defenseless, Mrs.
Leigh. Brian has not word to say,
and I ara but little better. How are we
to find consolation for your unfiattering
opipion?"
You would not be true man, Doci
tor, il you did not find it within your
self. l have often thought that you ars
the natural follower Of Descartes.
Theoretically and practically you find
the ego all sufficient.
Worse and worse" laughed Wilson,
And Brian rejoices in my discontinue.
Shall regret being man."
"By no MEANS returned Margaret.
1T is the next best thing to being q
woman. You have the easier side OF
life, too. We have the harder. The
lions share OF suffering falls on us, and
we must see our duty under the most
painful circumstances. A man NAV be
blind. Indeed, he usually Is blind wnen
he wants to be; but it would be quite
reprehensible for woman to pretend
defective vision in similar circumstan-
ces. SO there is some consolation for
YOU. Am driving you away, Doctor"