human
And think of the uprush of impulse, good and evil; the stirring of the thought, the movements of longing and wonder, and then all the greedy selfishness of youth, with its untamed vigours and its superb hopes. What help does a child get from its parents, in the midst of this tumult, out of which silently, the future man or woman emerges--and grows, remember, according to the manner in which the world meets these generous or these baser movements of the soul?
gpt
You would frighten anyone from parenthood!
human
Admit at least, that eight, or even seven, would have satisfied you.
gpt
Well, I don't mind foregoing the last three or four, said Valeria.
human
But seriously, I think that a home and so forth, is the best that life has to offer to us women. It is, perhaps, not asking much, but I believe if one goes further, one fares worse.
gpt
We all think the toothache would be so much more bearable, if it were only in the other tooth,
human
I feel sorry, the Professor said at last,
gpt
Not without regretting it.
human
Yet I have met women who held different opinions.
gpt
Probably rather inexperienced women,
human
Young women, but----
gpt
Ah, young women. What do _they_ know? The element of real horror in a woman's life does not betray itself, until the moment when the sense of age approaches. Then, and not till then, she knows how much mere superficial and transitory attractions have had to do with making her life liveable and interesting. Then, and not till then, she realizes that she has unconsciously held the position of adventuress in society, getting what she could out of it, by means of personal charm; never resting on established right, for she has none. As a wife, she acquires a sort of reflected right. One must respect her over whom Mr. So-and-So has rights of property. Well, is it not wise to take what one can get--the little glory of being the property of Mr. So-and-So? I have scorned this opportunism all my life, and now I regret having scorned it. And I think, if you could get women to be sincere, they would tell you the same tale.
human
And what do you think of the scheme of life, which almost forces upon our finest women, or tempts them to practise, this sort of opportunism?
gpt
I think it is simply savage,