A Final Triumph; or, A Lady Bachelor — page 129: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

STINGS. | 127 own affair. Do you know, it’s possible 1 may never marry? ‘I'he men of our day are such dudes—I mean the most of them; they are butterfly-hunters. 1 haven’t had much experience, but I’ve watched and studied men. I may marry, if the right, sensible fellow comes along and wants me, but he may never come; and if he doesn’t come, I’ll be an old maid, too; but if I am, I will not let every chit of a girl put on airs over me. It’s time there was a revolution in opinion. A girl should not be forced to marry the first ninny that offers himself; and yet, Eloise, I’ve noticed one thing.’ Miss Teft stopped short, and Eloise waited for her to continue. ** Yes, Eloise, there is one thing I’ve noticed: the hard- est and most severe judges are our own sex. All girls are liable to become old maids, and you would think that with such a possibility staring them in the face, they would feel kindly toward those who are what they may become. But, no; young ladies are singularly hateful toward our sex who fear or otherwise dare to preserve their independence. It’s terrible to think of, but it’s true; and the prejudice young men betray toward girls who are past their first foolish period of youth is fostered and encouraged by our sex. It’s all wrong, Eloise. And now, dear, I am not speaking all this for you; I am thinking of myself; for it’s almost certain I will remain single and become passée some day. I will, unless I meet a man whom I can really love, and | fear 1 never will. The men are all spoiled, and it’s hard that our own sex should make our independence a crime, and force us to pay penalties for simply consulting Gomichbooks (E)