“I understand. You have met a man who responded to all the needs a man could respond to, but never a woman to respond to what you need there. That is my own case exactly, though I have loved, of course—few men more, I think.” “If men only knew,” said the doctor, “how they cramp their own growth by making idols of women!” “By idols, you mean slaves. Only free women are worthy of free men; and the time is not come, though it is near, when they will be emancipated. Then we shall see the dawn of the Golden Age. Men think they are free; but they are bound by many shackles, only they have thrown off some which they still compel women to wear.” “And some they cannot throw off,” said the doctor, “until women are recognized as their political equals. I have great patience with the women; they are coming up slowly, through much tribulation.” CHAPTER XXXIV. THE SLAVE OF THE LAMP. On the way back to the village, the count left the doctor at the house of a patient, and then he went after Min, intending to take her to ride; but the time was all consumed in conversation with Clara and Susie about the organization of the social palace. He was struck especially with the practical ideas of Susie, and drew her out at length. “Remember,” he said, “that nothing is absolutely decided yet; but when I once decide, you will see a rattling among the dry bones of Oakdale. You and Mrs. Delano will be of great assistance to me, but you cannot grasp the thing in a manner sufficiently broad. You ought both of you to go with me to Guise, and study up the details for a certain time. Could either of you undertake that mission? We would take Minnie along, of course; that will be the commencement of her education; and the very best thing would be to leave her there in the schools until our own home is ready. And here I want to say to you ladies, both of you—for this child belongs, I see, hardly more to one than to the other—that whether we build the palace or not, I want to adopt Minnie as my daughter, and take charge of her education. Understand that I am serious; that I never make a positive proposition until I have fully counted the cost, and made my conclusions definitely.” Susie listened to the count with breathless interest, and looked, almost stared, at him with a painful intensity; then she took Min in her arms, hid her face on the child’s breast, and wept silently. Min looked wonderingly at the count, and then at Susie, and then at Clara, for explanation. “How would you like, Minnie, to have this gentleman adopt you as his own little girl?” asked Clara. “That would be _so_ nice, auntie! but will he ‘dop’ mamma and you too, auntie dear?”