Ethel Watts Mumford

“ The fault lies with these utterly regardless French who permit such liberties!”
She paused, abruptly.
“My dear, remember what Mr. Van Zeim says—'All souls are equal,'” admonished Miss Presby.
“All souls may be equal, but all bodies are not, Marcia. I am not narrow, but one must hold to the dignities of life. They are the safeguards of society.” ”

“ Margot answered, listlessly. “She had the room next to mine at school.”
“Indeed! I am surprised at the Misses Adams accepting such a pupil. Her laugh, her voice, her language, indicate from what stratum she has risen. You will not cultivate her acquaintance further! And as for having tea——”
“Margot declined at once,” put in Van Zeim, tactfully. “It was really no fault of hers that the young person addressed her. But one must be indulgent. A hoydenish exterior may cover excellent qualities, and girls quickly outgrow the natural noisiness of buoyant youth.” ”

“ Of course, we are women of the world, and, aside from the annoyance, there can be no possible harm. But the influence of these caravansaries cannot but be detrimental to a young girl like Margot.”
Mrs. Lord nodded emphatic approval.
“I have been impressed with that. It seems hard to deprive the child of the amusement of having tea down-stairs where all the world congregates, but, really, the atmosphere of the place is vitiating—the dress and manner of the women are disgracefully loud. I have been thinking that, in the future, we would better have our tea in our own salon. ”