That is what she is at Trouba,* at Gratchevka, and in a court ball-room.

And think of this diabolical trick: if she were a thing without moral value, it might be said that woman is a fine morsel; but, in the first place, these knights assure us that they adore woman (they adore her and look upon her, however, as a means of enjoyment), then all assure us that they esteem woman.

Some give up their seats to her, pick up her handkerchief; others recognize in her a right to fill all offices, participate in government, etc., but, in spite of all that, the essential point remains the same.

She is, she remains, an object of sensual desire, and she knows it.

It is slavery, for slavery is nothing else than the utilization of the labor of some for the enjoyment of others.