marry and settle,” answered Charlie, as if no other reply was
possible.
“That may be the case with many, but not with us, for Phebe and I
believe that it is as much a right and a duty for women to do
something with their lives as for men, and we are not going to be
satisfied with such frivolous parts as you give us,” cried Rose with
kindling eyes. “I mean what I say, and you cannot laugh me down.
Would you be contented to be told to enjoy yourself for a little
while, then marry and do nothing more till you die?” she added,
turning to Archie.
“Of course not that is only a part of a man’s life,” he answered
decidedly.
“A very precious and lovely part, but not all,” continued Rose.
“Neither should it be for a woman, for we’ve got minds and souls
as well as hearts; ambition and talents as well as beauty and
accomplishments; and we want to live and learn as well as love
and be loved. I’m sick of being told that is all a woman is fit for! I
won’t have anything to do with love till I prove that I am
something besides a housekeeper and baby-tender!?
“Heaven preserve us! Here’s woman’s rights with a vengeance!”
cried Charlie, starting up with mock horror, while the others
regarded Rose with mingled surprise and amusement, evidently
fancying it all a girlish outbreak.
“Ah, you needn’t pretend to be shocked you will be in earnest
presently, for this is only the beginning of my strong-mindedness,”
continued Rose, nothing daunted by the smiles of good-natured
incredulity or derision on the faces of her cousins. “I have made up
my mind not to be cheated out of the real things that make one
good and happy and, just because I’m a rich girl, fold my hands
and drift as so many do. I haven’t lived with Phebe all these years
in vain. I know what courage and self-reliance can do for one, and
I sometimes wish I hadn’t a penny in the world so that I could go
and earn my bread with her, and be as brave and independent as
she will be pretty soon.?
It was evident that Rose was in earnest now, for as she spoke she
turned to her friend with such respect as well as love in her face
that the look told better than any words how heartily the rich girl
appreciated the virtues hard experience had given the poor girl,
and how eagerly she desired to earn what all her fortune could not
buy for her.
Something in the glance exchanged between the friends impressed
the young men in spite of their prejudices, and it was in a perfectly
serious tone that Archie said, “I fancy you’ll find your hands full,
Cousin, if you want work, for I’ve heard people say that wealth has
its troubles and trials as well as poverty.?
“I know it, and I’m going to try and fill my place well. I’ve got
some capital little plans all made, and have begun to study my
profession already,” answered Rose with an energetic nod.
“Could I ask what it is to be?” inquired Charlie in a tone of awe.
“Guess!” and Rose looked up at him with an expression
half-earnest, half-merry.
“Well, I should say that you were fitted for a beauty and a belle,
but as that is evidently not to your taste, I am afraid you are going
to study medicine and be a doctor. Won’t your patients have a
heavenly time though? It will be easy dying with an angel to
poison them.?
“Now, Charlie, that’s base of you, when you know how well
women have succeeded in this profession and what a comfort Dr.
Mary Kirk was to dear Aunt Peace. I did want to study medicine,
but Uncle thought it wouldn’t do to have so many M.D.’s in one
family, since Mac thinks of trying it. Besides, I seem to have other
work put into my hands that I am better fitted for.?
“You are fitted for anything that is generous and good, and I’ll
stand by you, no matter what you’ve chosen,” cried Mac heartily,