[_All relax, relieved, but now gather about the young woman._
THEODORE } } Come now, simply because many young people } rush into marriage without thinking-- } } } LUCY } [_Together_] } Simply because these New Women-- } } } JOHN } } Simply because one marriage in a } thousand ends in divorce-- }
Wait!... One in a thousand? Dear me, what an idealist you are, John! In America, one marriage in every eleven now ends in divorce. And yet you wonder why I hesitate.
One in eleven--rot! [_To JUDGE._] All this muck-raking should be suppressed by the Government. "One in eleven!" Bah!
[_They all turn to the JUDGE for denial, but he nods confirmation, with a complacent smile, murmuring: "Two souls with but a single thought."_
Well, I may be old-fashioned, but it seems to _me_ that nice girls shouldn't _think_ of such things.... Their husbands will tell them all they ought to know about marriage--after they're married.
Ah, I see. Nice girls mustn't think until after they rush in, but they mustn't rush in until after they think. You married people make it all so simple for us.
Right! The way to cure all evil is for nice people to close their minds and mouths to it. It's "unpleasant" for a pure mind, and it "leaves a bad taste in the mouth." So there you are, my dear.
Oh, talk, talk, talk! I've had enough. See here, young lady, I offered to pay all your expenses abroad for a year. You didn't seem to appreciate it--well, the trustees of the institute are now to give Doctor Hamilton a year abroad. How do you like that?
Splendid! Just what he needs! Doctor Metchnikoff told me in Paris that America always kills its big men with routine. When do we start?
Of course! I'm his assistant--quite indispensable to him.... [_To all._] Oh, well, if you don't believe me, ask him!
What next! Paris! Alone, with a man!--Here's where I call a halt!
But if my work calls me, I don't really see what you have to say about it, John.
But not my owner! [_Then, instead of defiance, she turns with animated interest to the others._] You know, all women used to be owned by men. Formerly they ruled us by physical force--now by financial force.... But at last they are to lose even _that_ hold upon us--poor dears!
That's all right in theory, but this is a practical world. My pull got you into the institute; my pull can get you out. You give up this wild idea or give up your job!