those which have been hitherto monopolized by men. To enter the others
would only be to intensify the present competition."

"Quite so. That is glorious!" Her blue eyes were dancing with
mischief, and she clapped her hands in her delight. "What else? She
thinks that whatever a man can do a woman should be allowed to do also--
does she not?"

"She says so."

"And about dress? The short skirt, and the divided skirt are what she
believes in?"

"Yes."

"We must get in some cloth."

"Why?"

"We must make ourselves a dress each. A brand-new, enfranchised,
emancipated dress, dear. Don't you see my plan? We shall act up to all
Mrs. Westmacott's views in every respect, and improve them when we can.
Then papa will know what it is to live with a woman who claims all her
rights. Oh, Clara, it will be splendid."

Her milder sister sat speechless before so daring a scheme. "But it
would be wrong, Ida!" she cried at last.

"Not a bit. It is to save him."