"I've heard something of this kind before! You're a Spartan; but suppose we admit that a man might stand the strain, what about a woman ?" "That complicates the thing.

I suppose you mean an Englishwoman ?" "I do.

An Englishwoman of the kind you used to know at home, for example.

Could she live on rancid pork, molasses, and damaged flour?
You know the stuff the storekeepers supply their debtors.

Would you expect a delicately brought-up girl to cook for you, and mend and wash your clothes, besides making hers?
To struggle with chores that never end, and be content, for months, with your society ?" Festing pondered.