A Solemn Appeal - James White

imaginations perverted by novel-reading, daydreaming,
and castle-building; by living in an
imaginary world. They do not bring their ideas
down to the common, useful duties of life. They do
not take up the life-burdens which lie in their path,
and seek to make happy, cheerful homes for their
husbands. They lean upon them without so much as
bearing their own burden. They expect others to
anticipate their wants, and do for them, while they
are at liberty to find fault and to question as they
please. These women have a sort of love-sick
sentimentalism, constantly thinking they are not
appreciated; that their husbands do not give them
all that attention they deserve. They imagine
themselves martyrs.
The truth of the matter is this: if they would
show themselves useful, their value might be
appreciated; but when they pursue a course to
constantly draw upon others for sympathy and
attention, while they feel under no obligation to
give the same in return, and pass along, reserved,
cold, and unapproachable, bearing no burden for
others, or feeling for their woes, there can be but
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