"It is dreadful," said Ruth, thoughtfully, "but the worst of it is that

you men do not want women educated to do anything, to be able to earn an

honest living by their own exertions. They are educated as if they were

always to be petted and supported, and there was never to be any such

thing as misfortune. I suppose, now, that you would all choose to have

me stay idly at home, and give up my profession."

"Oh, no," said Philip, earnestly, "I respect your resolution. But,

Ruth, do you think you would be happier or do more good in following your

profession than in having a home of your own?"

What is to hinder having a home of my own?"

Nothing, perhaps, only you never would be in it--you would be away day

and night, if you had any practice; and what sort of a home would that

make for your husband?"

"What sort of a home is it for the wife whose husband is always away

riding about in his doctor's gig?"

"Ah, you know that is not fair. The woman makes the home."

Philip and Ruth often had this sort of discussion, to which Philip was

always trying to give a personal turn. He was now about to go to Ilium

for the season, and he did not like to go without some assurance from

518

The Gilded Age