Not when it is too late, but before! But how can I help unless I know?
Good girls cannot tell me, and good women won't! You yourself, Auntie, didn't want to speak on the subject; even to me!' 'But, my dear child, these are not things for unmarried women.

I never speak of them myself except with matrons.' Stephen's answer flashed out like a sword; and cut like one: 'And yet you are unmarried! Oh, Auntie dear, I did not and I do not mean to be offensive, or to hurt you in any way.

I know, dear, your goodness and your kindness to all.

But you limit yourself to one side!' The elder lady interrupted: 'How do you mean?
one side! which side ?' 'The punishment side.

I want to know the cause of that which brings the punishment.