But a woman's part is passive, say what you
like, and shuffle the facts of the world as you may, hinting at lack of
energy, of wisdom, of courage. As a matter of fact, almost all women
have all that--of their own kind. But they are not made for attack. Wait
they must. I am speaking here of women who are really women. And it's
no use talking of opportunities, either. I know that some of them do
talk of it. But not the genuine women. Those know better. Nothing can
beat a true woman for a clear vision of reality; I would say a cynical
vision if I were not afraid of wounding your chivalrous feelings--for
which, by the by, women are not so grateful as you may think, to fellows
of your kind . . .
"Upon my word, Marlow," I cried, "what are you flying out at me for like
this? I wouldn't use an ill-sounding word about women, but what right
have you to imagine that I am looking for gratitude?"
Marlow raised a soothing hand.
"There! There! I take back the ill-sounding word, with the remark,
though, that cynicism seems to me a word invented by hypocrites.
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