``Because you are so,'' replied he. ``You are as
vain--no more so, but just as much so--as the average
pretty and attractive woman brought up as you
have been. You are not obsessed by the notion that
your physical charms are all-powerful, and in that
fact there is hope for you. But you attach entirely too
much importance to them. You will find them a
hindrance for a long time before they begin to be a help
to you in your career. And they will always be a
temptation to you to take the easy, stupid way of making
a living--the only way open to most women that
is not positively repulsive.''
``I think it is the most repulsive,'' said Mildred.
``Don't cant,'' replied he, unimpressed. ``It's not
so repulsive to your sort of woman as manual labor--
or as any kind of work that means no leisure, no luxury
and small pay.''
``I wonder,'' said Mildred. ``I--I'm afraid you're
right. But I WON'T admit it. I don't dare.''
``That's the finest, truest thing I've ever heard you
say,'' said Keith.
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