“Children and idiots—I understand that,” said Minora; “but women—and classed with children and idiots?”
“Classed with children and idiots,” repeated Irais, gravely nodding her head. “Did you know that the law forbids females of any age to ride on the top of omnibuses or tramcars?”
“Not really?”
“Do you know why?”
“I can’t imagine.”
“Because in going up and down the stairs those inside might perhaps catch a glimpse of the stocking covering their ankles.”
“But what—”
“Did you know that the morals of the German public are in such a shaky condition that a glimpse of that sort would be fatal to them?”
“But I don’t see how a stocking—”
“With stripes round it,” said Irais.