_Accomplishments_, directed to the one object of finding a desirable man, who will take them at the least cost off the hands of their relatives, are the things which occupy the time of women; the lower orders, in so far as possible, giving to the poor imitations that time which ought to go to useful objects. A poor and obscure girl prefers to be _something like_ a lady (that is, a bad copy in dress and bearing), than to be really instructed in letters: because she sees herself more admired by the male, and more likely to dispose of herself to a husband. The great pursuit among High-Caste families is man--a man who may be bought, and whom it is desirable to buy, to be a husband for a daughter, or relative. All domestic art and diplomacy are bent to this end; and, as men do not like learned women, whom they nick-name _strong-minded_, women do not wish to be learned. If from exceptional circumstances a young woman be well educated, and wish to marry, she carefully conceals her knowledge, and displays her accomplishments, and all "the power of her charms" (as the English poets have it). An educated female had better appear to be an _accomplished_ fool, than a wise and learned woman--if she wish to buy a husband. For she must have a large sum, indeed, if she be known to be learned!--a _Blue-stocking_ [Zu-re-to]. There are some women who have acquired knowledge, and look with disdain upon the _arts_, _airs_, and _graces_ of their "weak Sisters." They appear in public Halls of debate (as talking-places are called); and, mixing with men, assume an equality of mental force and culture. They interest themselves like men, in all matters of general concern. They take in hand, or endeavour to take in hand, _the care of Women_; and demand an enlarged sphere for her action, and a reformed and proper recognition of her _rights_. Hence, these women are called, besides strong-minded, _Women's rights_ women. They are nearly always old, ugly, and wholly and hopelessly incapacitated from longer pursuing men; even, in their inordinate vanity, _that_ pursuit is abandoned. There are some trifling exceptions--of women who like to astonish, and of others who, in _talking_, find a means of living--to whom all personal comeliness is not yet a tradition. But for these, the _Women's rights_ movement would dwindle away; these sometimes commanding an influence either of money or family, draw into their circle a few men--remarkable, in general, for eccentricity of some kind, or led very often completely by a woman of the order. The whole thing is inexplicable to our social usages; but is not an excrescence--only a natural outgrowth upon a diseased system. The position of women in the Barbarian Society is a feature very striking and very anomalous, and may receive attention in another place.