"Then give them another sphere, and perhaps they will earn your
respect in that also. I am sorry to say that men, in THEIR sphere,
have not won my respect. Enough of that for the present. I have to
make some domestic arrangements, which are of more immediate
importance than the conversion of a good politician into a bad
philosopher. Excuse me for five minutes."

She left the room. Lucian sat down and gave his attention to Alice,
who had still enough of her old nervousness to make her straighten
her shoulders and look stately. But he did not object to this; a
little stiffness of manner gratified his taste.

"I hope," he said, "that my cousin has not succeeded in inducing you
to adopt her peculiar views."

"No," said Alice. "Of course her case is quite exceptional--she is
so wonderfully accomplished. In general, I do not think women should
have views. There are certain convictions which every lady holds:
for instance, we know that Roman Catholicism is wrong. But that can
hardly be called a view; indeed it would be wicked to call it so, as
it is one of the highest truths. What I mean is that women should
not be political agitators."

"I understand, and quite agree with you. Lydia is, as you say, an
exceptional case. She has lived much abroad; and her father was a
very singular man. Even the clearest heads, when removed from the
direct influence of English life and thought, contract extraordinary
prejudices. Her father at one time actually attempted to leave a
large farm to the government in trust for the people; but