"But a gentleman keeps a cook," Beth observed.
"Oh yes, of course," Jim answered irritably. "You would see what I mean if you weren't a girl. Girls have no brains. They scream at a mouse."
"We never scream at mice," Beth protested in surprise. "Bernadine catches them in her hands."
"Ah, but then you've had brothers, you see," said Jim. "It makes all the difference if you're taught not to be silly."
"Then why aren't all girls taught, and why aren't we taught more things?"
"Because you've got no brains, I tell you."
"But if we can be taught one thing, why can't we be taught another? How can you tell we've no brains if you never try to teach us?"
"Now look here, Miss Beth," said brother Jim in a tone of exasperation, "I know what you'll be when you grow up, if you don't mind. You'll be just the sort of long-tongued shrew, always arguing, that men hate."
"Do you say 'that men hate' or 'whom men hate'?" Beth interrupted.
"There you are!" said Jim; "devilish sharp at a nag. That's just what I'm telling you. Now, you take my advice, and hold your tongue. Then perhaps you'll get a husband; and if you do, make things comfortable for him. Men can't abide women who don't make things comfortable."