ahead of men. You understand--having started, they can't stop. And I
must admit that I've thought seriously of it at times myself."

"Me too," added Van Emmon earnestly. "I have the same feeling about it
that an elderly man must have when he sees a young one get on the job.
Instead of being glad that the women are making good, I sort of resent
it."

"I knew it!" exclaimed the girl delightedly. "But I never heard a man
admit it before!"

"Perhaps it isn't as serious as we think," said the practical Smith,
scraping the bottom of the potato pan. "I believe that the progress of
women may have a fine effect upon men, making us less self-satisfied,
and more alert. For one thing," glancing about the cube, "we've got to
clean up a bit, now that we know you're a woman!"

The architect's eyes flashed. "Because you know mighty well I'll light
in and do it myself, if you don't; that's what you mean! Please take
notice that I'm to be respected, not because of what I AM, but because
of what I can DO!"

"In behalf of myself and companions, I surrender!" said the doctor
gallantly. Then he instantly added: "And yet, even when we are actually
chivalrous, we are disregarding your desire to be appreciated for what
you are worth. Pardon me, Miss Billie; I'll not forget again.

"At the same time, my dear," remembering that he had a daughter of his
own, nearly the builder's age, "we men have come to think of women
primarily as potential mothers, and secondarily as people of affairs.