_F_. "Funny," child? Why, I never saw any thing less so. It is
_dreadfully_ serious. It is even sanguinary; sadder still, abusive and
vulgar. What is there comical about coarseness?

_D_. You don't take my idea, father. It is funny, because it assumes so
much. It does not realize that womanly modesty is the great obstacle to
its success, and that if it was as well endowed with that quality as the
average of American women, it would promptly cease to revolve.

_F_. Why, HELENE! what has set you off? Where did you pick up this
nonsense? What can you possibly know of Women's Rights, as I believe
they call the new Movement?

_D_. Why _shouldn't_ I know something about it, when it has been in your
mouth for months? And ain't _I_ a woman? Besides, don't we women know
some things by _instinct_?

_F_. Well, well, child! I wish you could know Astronomy by instinct; for
I begin to see I've a job before me, if only to keep you to the point.

_D_. The Compass-point, do you mean, father?

_F_. No; the Study-point. Do you call this studying Astronomy?

_D_. I think, pa, I like the _practical_ part best.

_F_. Ah, that which allows you to study the Fashions in Broadway! Well,
woman is woman, I believe, the Universe over! But, come; a short lesson,
to begin with. Here is a fine view of Saturn, with his Rings.