“Carrie S. S.”
We are very sorry indeed to learn of this trait in your betrothed. It shows a bad disposition to dislike animals, yet it does not always follow that a man will be unkind to a woman because of that trait in his disposition. Personally I would not have a man about who was unkind to animals, and I am inclined to think that such a man would be apt to make almost any woman unhappy. The poor animals suffer enough, and there is no one to protect them but ourselves. If we neglect this duty it seems to me that we are culpable and deserve, even if we do not receive, some severe form of punishment. We do not blame you at all for feeling as you do, and advise you to try and reform your lover, if possible.
“Please answer this question and oblige a constant reader: Is it proper to allow a young man to put his arm around you when you are riding in the surface cars or elevated, or when you are coming home from Coney Island on the boat. I have allowed my escort to do so several times, and some of my girl friends say that it looks very silly. I am in love with this young man and he is in love with me. Is there any harm in our showing our affection?
“Laura.”
The habit of hugging in public is certainly very bad taste, and we agree with your friends that it also looks silly. In the first place, unless the young man is engaged to you he has no right to embrace you at all, and you would be much more modest and ladylike if you refused to allow him such privileges in public. Embraces are but the demonstrations of holy affection. They should not be paraded before the eyes of the public.
“Do you think it is wrong for a married woman to engage in business? I have a desirable situation offered me, and am tempted to accept it, but my husband objects so decidedly that I have doubted the propriety of my idea of working. My husband seems to feel that I have no right to work, and says that he will not live with me if I do.
“We have no children and I would be glad of the occupation. Please let me have your advice on the matter.
“Mrs. Ella W.”