human
You caricature extremely well. I congratulate you on that power, but it is a dangerous accomplishment--even more dangerous than the practice of sarcasm. The girl who indulges in the latter at most fails to attract; but the caricaturist repels.
gpt
Oh!
human
We must always remember that the most useful weapons in a girl's hands are those of submission, faith and reverence. Men hate--they hate and detest--women who think for themselves. They positively loathe the woman who dares turn them into ridicule.
gpt
Fortunately, she went on,
human
I don't understand. Pardon me, Mrs. Cassilis, that I am so stupid. I say what I think, and you tell me I am sarcastic.
gpt
Girls in society never say what they think. They assent, or at best ask a question timidly.
human
And I make a little pencil sketch of you, and you tell me I am a caricaturist.
gpt
Girls who can draw must draw in the conventional manner recognised by society. They do not draw likenesses; they copy flowers, and sometimes draw angels and crosses. To please men they draw soldiers and horses.
human
But why cannot girls draw what they please? And why must they try to attract?
gpt
Why? Phillis Fleming, only ask me that question again in six months' time if you dare.
human
Have you any other accomplishments?
gpt
I am afraid not. I can play a little. Mr. Dyson liked my playing; but it is all from memory and from ear.
human
Will you, if you do not mind, play something to me?