Only a comparatively small number of men can afford to keep a number of daughters in idleness. And the uncertainty of their wealth makes the wise amongst these provide for their girls in the most sensible way possible, by giving them a liberal education and insisting on their choosing some profession or other employment.
The girls themselves are becoming more sensible. There was a time when it was considered outrageous on the part of any girl to want to earn her living. Only common people did that kind of thing! Only the very poor soiled their hands! A mother who allowed her girls to teach or paint or sing for a living, was considered to be lacking in a sense of duty and dignity. Her acquaintances ceased to call on her. She became a social outcast. Now it is considered to be something of a disgrace (except by the few stupid survivors of a past age) if a girl can find no employment, either useful or ornamental, with which to occupy her time and talents. The girls themselves are demanding that they shall be allowed to do something. They prefer to know that they are keeping themselves and not burdening those who have already done so much
