Page:Edward Prime-Stevenson - The Intersexes.djvu/570

 she returned to her inclinations toward women, at first because she was afraid of pregnancy, etc. By this time (at 27) she nevertheless married again, but without any desire sexually toward a man, her husband being an invalid. She completely broke down nervously, in aversion to him sexually, and in effort to meet her sexual duties with him; constantly longing for appeasement, etc. She had four children. After three years, this second husband died. Her own nine-year old daughter now began to show signs of sexual insubordination, and it greatly distressed her mother. A terrible period for Mrs. M— ensued; what with her anxieties, violent sexual desires that almost distracted her, etc. At forty-four, she is now drawn to women, now to men. She is somewhat less excitable, probably by advancing maturity, but is unhappy, weary of life, etc. She has been suffering much dionistically toward a certain young man of the vicinity, whose intimacy was not practicable; yet at the same time she feels herself drawn to different younger women, and "with a nobler and higher enjoyment. Mrs. M— was wholly of feminine physique, though her extremities were not small."

Some years ago, the marriage of a young English lady was followed by the suicide of her intimate friend. Both were not long past their college-days at an University. The diary of the young lady who took her own life was typical of the height to which feminosexual sufferings can mount, in such circumstances. The unfortunate Uraniad had maintained sexual relations with her friend since their earlier girlhood. She had offered no objection to the marriage, beyond a painful "scene," after her friend first had informed her that a sentimental affair was in progress between herself and a man, "likely to end in marriage"; and that she felt quite willing to marry. No doubt she did, under an advanced dionism. The deceased was cruelly surprised, but did not discuss the matter, except on this, one occasion. She began to be less intimate with Miss X— after the engagement, and finally travelled abroad. She left the young husband a note, telling him that he had. been the cause of her death; but forgiving him, and wishing the pair happiness. In all details she showed deliberate self-sacrifice—followed by as deliberate self-murder. Portions of her