“But my dear girl,” he interrupted, “whose business is it? and what has happened to you anyway?  I didn’t bring you here to tell me my patriotic duty.  I like you because you amuse me with your smart speeches.  I don’t want to be lectured—­and I won’t have it.”

Mrs. Tweed arose and began to put on her gloves.  “Here’s where we part,” she said; “I am going to begin to do my part, just as I see it.  I’ve signed on—­I’ve joined the great Win-the-War-Party.  You should try it, Sergeant Brown.  We have no exact rules to go by—­we are self-governed.  It is called the honor system; each one rules himself.  It’s quite new to me, but I expect to know more about it.”

“Sit down!” he said sternly; “people are looking at you—­they think we are quarreling; I am not done yet, and neither are you.  Sit down!”

She sat down and apologized.  “I am excited, I believe,” she said; “people generally are when they enlist; and although I stood up, I had no intention of going, for the bill has not come yet and I won’t go without settling my share of it.”

“Forget it!” he said warmly; “this isn’t a Dutch treat.  What have I done that you should hit me a slam like this?”

“It isn’t a slam,” she said; “it is quite different.  I want to run straight and fair—­and I can’t do it and let you pay for my meals; there’s no sense in women being sponges.  I know we have been brought up to beat our way.  ’Be pretty, and all things will be added unto you,’ is the first commandment, and the one with the promise.  I’ve laid hold on that all my life, but to-day I am giving it up.  The old way of training women nearly got me, but not quite—­and now I am making a new start.  It isn’t too late.  The old way of women always being under an obligation to men has started us wrong.  I’m not blaming you or any one, but I’m done with it.  If you see things as I do, you’ll be willing to let me pay.  Don’t pauperize me any more and make me feel mean.”

“Oh, go as far as you like!” he said petulantly.  “Pay for me, too, if you like—­don’t leave me a shred of self-respect.  This all comes of giving women the vote.  I saw it coming, but I couldn’t help it!  I like the old-fashioned women best—­but don’t mind me!”

“I won’t,” she said; “nothing is the same as it was.  How can anything go on the same?  We have to change to meet new conditions and I’m starting to-day.  I’m going to give up my suite and get a job—­anything—­maybe dishwashing.  I’m going to do what I can to bring things right.  If every one will do that, the country is safe.”

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