It would have been well if their effects had died with the passing away of that immediate danger.  But as we think so we incline to act.  Our sentiments are our governors; and of all imperious tyrants, false sentiments are the most ruthless.  The beautiful, the true, the good they trample out of the heart with a fiery malignity that knows no touch of pity; for the false is the bitter enemy of the true and makes with it no terms of amity.

The coldness which had followed their reconciliation might have gradually given way before the warmth of genuine love, if Irene had been left to the counsels of her own heart; if there had been no enemy to her peace, like Mrs. Talbot, to throw in wild, vague thoughts of oppression and freedom among the half-developed opinions which were forming in her mind.  As it was, a jealous scrutiny of words and actions took the place of that tender confidence which was coming back to Irene’s heart, and she became watchfully on the alert; not, as she might have been, lovingly ministrant.

Only a few days were permitted to elapse after the call of this unsafe friend before Irene returned the visit, and spent two hours with her, conning over the subject of woman’s rights and woman’s wrongs.  Mrs. Talbot introduced her to writers on the vexed question, who had touched the theme with argument, sarcasm, invective and bold, brilliant, specious generalities; read to her from their books; commented on their deductions, and uttered sentiments on the subject of reform and resistance as radical as the most extreme.

“We must agitate—­we must act—­we must do good deeds of valor and self-sacrifice for our sex,” she said, in her enthusiastic way.  “Every woman, whether of high or low condition, of humble powers or vigorous intellect, has a duty to perform, and she is false to the honor and rights of her sex if she do not array herself on the side of freedom.  You have great responsibilities resting upon you, my young friend.  I say it soberly, even solemnly.  Responsibilities which may not be disregarded without evil consequences to yourself and others.  You are young, clear-thoughted and resolute—­have will, purpose and endurance.  You are married to a young man destined, I think, to make his mark in the world; but, as I have said before, a false education has given him erroneous ideas on this great and important subject.  Now what is your duty?”

The lady paused as if for an answer.

“What is your duty, my dear young friend?” she repeated.

“I will answer for you,” she continued.  “Your duty is to be true to yourself and to your sisters in bonds.”

“In bonds! I in bonds!” Mrs. Talbot touched her to the quick.

“Are you a free woman?” The inquiry was calmly made.

Irene started to the floor and moved across the room, then turned and came back again.  Her cheeks burned and her eyes flashed.  She stood before Mrs. Talbot and looked at her steadily.