If you could see how things really are, you would change your opinion.

What are the poor things to do?
There are so many of them and so few things to which they can turn their hands.

Governesses?
But there are hardly any situations.
Music and drawing?
There is not one in fifty who has any special talent in that direction.

Medicine?
It is still surrounded with difficulties for women, and it takes many years and a small fortune to qualify.
Nursing?
It is hard work ill paid, and none but the strongest can stand it.

What would you have them do then, Admiral?
Sit down and starve ?" "Tut, tut! It is not so bad as that." "The pressure is terrible.