better or worse, of higher and lower. The loftiest ideal of humanity
demands that each shall be perfect in its kind and not be hindered in
its best work. The lily is not inferior to the rose, nor the oak
superior to the clover; yet the glory of the lily is one and the glory
of the oak is another, and the use of the oak is not the use of the
clover.'

"This present-day generation demands of women greater efficiency in
the home than ever before. And Mary, many of the old-time industries
which I had been accustomed to as a girl have passed away. Electricity
and numerous labor-saving devices make household tasks easier,
eliminating some altogether. When housekeeping you will find time to
devote to many important questions of the day which we old-time
housekeepers never dreamed of having. Considerable thought should be
given to studying to improve and simplify conditions of the home-life.
It is your duty. Obtain books; study food values and provide those
foods which nourish the body, instead of spending time uselessly
preparing dainties to tempt a jaded appetite. Don't spoil Ralph when
you marry him. Give him good, wholesome food, and plenty of it; but
although the cooking of food takes up much of a housekeeper's time, it
is not wise to allow it to take up one's time to the exclusion of
everything else. Mary, perhaps my views are old-fashioned. I am not a
'new woman' in any sense of the word. The new woman may take her place
beside man in the business world and prove equally as efficient, but
I do not think woman should invade man's sphere any more than he
should assume her duties."

"Aunt Sarah, I am surprised to hear you talk in that manner about
woman's sphere," replied Mary, "knowing what a success you are in the
home, and how beautifully you manage everything you undertake. I felt,