Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/352

368 But this behavior is perhaps an exception to the rule.

The position of the young woman of the educated classes, in the house of her parents, appears to me, on the contrary, near to perfection; at all events, it is so in French Switzerland. The daughters are there educated to the right use of freedom, and they obtain this freedom in their best years. Every young girl, whether she marries or not, receives a settlement from her parents, and the means for an independent life before she attains to her five and twentieth year. In the good home, which is for the present mine, the two daughters were each allotted their portion equally with their brother, when he entered upon his office, and commenced life for himself. Nevertheless they know not a better home than that of their parents. And I do not believe that any country can exhibit more beautiful relationships between parents and children, and especially between daughters and their fathers. I have already spoken on this subject. But it is scarcely possible to say too much on these beautiful, perfect relationships. In them lie noble seeds of the future. For good, well-educated daughters, become good mothers, and it is upon the mother that the future of the child, and of the nation, more essentially depends.

In a few days I shall leave Switzerland, probably forever. Monte Rosa is the last point which I visit within its realm, arid I am to be accompanied to Monte Rosa by both my young sisters, Louise and Nancy, from my beloved home beside the Living-waters.