Dr. H. H'm. Pussy Willow. Well, that begins to sound right. Wouldn't have found any girl named Pussy Willow at Newport, I'll warrant you.
Aunt Highty-Tighty. Do, pray, dear Dr. Hardhack, tell us just how she must be dressed for that cold mountain region.
Aunt F. It makes me shiver to think of it.
Aunt H.-T. Must she have high-necked, long-sleeved flannels?
Aunt F. I will go right down and buy her half-a-dozen at once. [Starts to go, but is waved back by Dr. H., and resumes seat]
Dr. H. Not so fast. Let's see about this young lady. [Endeavors to introduce his forefinger under the belt of E's dress. Belt snaps. Dr. H. draws out his finger with a jerk] I thought so. I supposed that there wasn't much breathing allowed behind there.
Mamma P. Oh, I do assure you, Doctor, Emily never dresses tightly.
Emily. No, indeed! I despise tight lacing. I never wear my clothes any more than just comfortable.
Dr. H. Never saw a woman that did! The courage and constancy of the female sex in bearing inconveniences is so great, however, that that will be no test at all. Give me that thing. [Motions for E.'s belt] [E. hands him same] You wouldn't catch a man saying he felt comfortable under such circumstances. [Holds up the tiny circle] But only persuade a girl that she looks stylish and pretty with her waist drawn in, and you may lace her up till the very life leaves her, and with her dying breath she will tell you she is nothing more than "comfortable". So, my young lady, you don't catch me in that way! You must leave off belts and tight waists of all sorts for six months at least, and wear only loose sacques so that your lungs may have some chance to play and fill with the vital air that I am going to send you to breathe up in the hills.
E. But, Doctor, I don't believe I could hold myself up. [Droops as without any strength] When I sit up in a loose dress I feel so weak I hardly know what to do. I need the support of something stiff around me.