Page:Neith Boyce--The bond.djvu/67

Rh "I did say it, and it's true, it is only a pretence—but I referred particularly to material things," began Aunt Sophy.

"But you congratulated me on keeping my independence even in the thraldom of marriage, and"

"I meant financial independence. Of course, I don't think any woman ought to be dependent on a man in that way—or in any way she can help. But what I say now is that there is no need for thrusting the ugly side of life on us more than is necessary. Let the men keep their weaknesses to themselves—as much as they can. That's what I mean, child. Heaven knows we see enough of them at their worst, anyhow, without unnecessary disclosures."

"I wonder," said Teresa musingly. "They don't seem to be able to keep anything to themselves, that's true."

"No, because they admire themselves in everything they do. As somebody or other says, a mirror tells the truth to a woman, but it always lies to a man. A man thinks his meanest actions are justifiable somehow, if only on the plea of necessity. I daresay your friend, as you call him, thinks it absolutely necessary for him to intoxicate himself once in so often."

"I suppose he does. And I suppose it is," said Teresa sorrowfully.

"Teresa, Teresa! You are taking the man's