“Well, society being ruled by men, who are stronger than women, certain laws have been forced on women. Chastity is imposed on girls, and fidelity on married women.

“Men, in framing these laws, have reserved for themselves the right of satisfying their passions, without thinking that in order to indulge them they must cause women to break the laws they laid down for them.

“These women give them happiness, but shame is their own lot.”

“That is very unjust!” remarked Violette.

“Yes, my dear, truly so. Therefore have certain women risen up and said: “What does society offer me in exchange for the bondage in which she keeps me? Marriage with a man I shall not probably love, who will take me at eighteen years of age, who will enjoy me and make me unhappy all my life. I had rather remain outside of society, follow my own inclinations and love whom I please. I shall be a woman of nature, not of society.

“From society's conventional point of view, what we have done was wrong. From nature's point of view, we have only given satisfaction to our legitimate desires.”

“Did you understand?”

“Quite well.”

“Well, think of this all day. This evening you can let me know whether you want to be nature's woman or that of society.”

I rang the bell and the maid came. Violette was in her bed, showing only her head. “Madame Leonie,” I said, “you will please attend to all this young lady's wants; you will have her food sent by Chevet, her pastry from Julien's. There is Bordeaux wine in the cupboard and 300 francs in this drawer.

“Ah! I forgot. Send for a dressmaker to measure the young lady for two simple but tasteful dresses, with bonnets to match.”

When I returned in the evening, Violette ran up to me, and, throwing herself into my arms, she said:

“I thought of what you told me.”

“All day?”