"I don't like half measures," muttered Rachel. "I do not approve of
encouraging young women to crowd the overstocked profession of
governesses."

Fanny opened her brown eyes, and awaited the words of wisdom.

"Is it not a flagrant abuse," continued Rachel, "that whether she
have a vocation or not, every woman of a certain rank, who wishes to
gain her own livelihood, must needs become a governess? A nursery
maid must have a vocation, but an educated or half-educated woman has
no choice; and educator she must become, to her own detriment, and
that of her victims."

"I always did think governesses often much to be pitied," said Fanny,
finding something was expected of her.

"What's the use of pity if one runs on in the old groove? We must
prevent the market from being drugged, by diverting the supply into
new lines."

"Are there any new lines?" asked Fanny, surprised at the progress of
society in her absence.

"Homoeopathic doctresses," whispered Grace; who, dutiful as she was,
sometimes indulged in a little fun, which Rachel would affably
receive unless she took it in earnest, as in the present instance.

"Why not--I ask why not? Some women have broken through prejudice,
and why should not others? Do you not agree with me, Fanny, that
female medical men--I mean medical women--would be an infinite boon?"