"Perhaps," said Ethel, "little Mollie Hastings if she's pronounced cured. It may be of great benefit to her. Let's see what can be done." "Dorothy Kip might become an Ohio girl and spend her summers up there with us too," suggested Nora. "And if Dr. Bigelow goes with the Scouts Nannie can join." "We'll see," replied Ethel. "It's quite a few months before next summer. 'Sufficient unto the day, etc.'" Ethel was getting along famously at Barnard. "What profession shall you follow--the law or ministry?" Harvey would ask jokingly. "Something that shall enable me to become self supporting," Ethel would reply seriously. "There's where you make a mistake," said Harvey. "A woman was made to be supported by a man--not to support herself." "Why not?" asked Ethel. "How many wives today support their husbands? Have you any idea of the number?" "Oh, well, then it's because the men are lazy or sick. No decent, self-respecting man would allow it." "Supposing a woman can not marry. She can't propose to a man. What can she do in that case--starve? No, Dr. Bigelow, you can't even argue. Every woman should have in her hand, say, a weapon or trade with which to take care of herself. Then when the time comes she's ready to start in the battle of life, and not sit around helpless while others do for her, or become dependent upon charity, or worse. The day of Elsie Dinsmores has gone. In her place we have strong, capable, broad-minded women. Seldom do we hear of a woman fainting today, yet look back sixty years and recall the Lydia Languish females with long ringlets and wasp waists, who invariably carried smelling salts. I'm proud to belong to the women of today--healthy, strong, athletic, and brave--women who _do_ and are not ashamed of it. Look at Aunt Susan. There's a woman who is an example. I hope I may amount to as much as she before I die." "Ethel, I fear you are strong-minded," laughed Harvey. "Don't fear, but know it. I try to be strong in mind and body. I believe in a woman getting all that's coming to her and working for that end." Harvey laughed. "Well, I shan't argue with you." "Because you agree with me, and you know it," said Ethel quietly. "You have made yourself amount to something. Look where you were three years ago. What were your views of life then? A rich marriage. Behold the change! Now you are a man." "Thanks," said Harvey, rising and making a low bow. CHAPTER XVI CHRISTMAS EVE Christmas was near. The Hollisters wrote and invited Mr. Casey to spend the Christmas holidays with them. They also wrote Tom Harper to see if it were possible to bring Aunt Susan to be with them during the holidays. Tom replied he would make it possible. So they were to have a house full. Nora and Ethel vied in dressing up the rooms tastefully with holly and mistletoe. Every chandelier and door had a piece of mistletoe fastened above it. "What a grand kissing time there'll be," said Archibald. "When do we begin--on Christmas morning?"