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FLAMING

YOUTH

tists. Einstein she recognises through having seen his travels chronicled and heard vaudeville jokes about him. But mention Pasteur or Metchnikoff and you would leave her groping; and she doubtless would identify Lister as one who achieved fame by inventing a mouth wash. However, she could at once tell you the name of the fashionable physician to go to for nervous breakdown. “Her economics are as vague as her science. Politics areablank. But to be found ignorant of the most recent trend of the movies or the names of their heroes, or not to know the latest gag of some unspeakable vulgarian of the revues—that would overwhelm her with shame. Her speech and thought are largely a reflection of the contemporary stage. Not the stage of Shaw and O’Neill, but of bedroom farce and trite musical comedy. Thus far she compares unfavourably in education with the average shop girl. “In music and art the reckoning is better. But this again is largely inherited. If the sap-headed sisterhood have not fostered, they at least have not tainted her sound instincts in these directions. She has followed her own bent. “As it is a professedly denominational school she has, of course, specialised or been specialised upon as a churchwoman. A very sound and correct churchwoman, but not much of a Godwoman. No philosophy and vary little ethics are to be found in her religion. Worship is for her a bargain of which the other consideration is prayer. She gives to God certain praises and observamees and asks in return special favours. ‘I'll do this

for you, God, and you do as much for me some day.’ Her expectancy of assured returns she regards as a praiseworthy and pious quality known as faith, Blasphemy, of course. Not the poor child’s. The sin, which