Searles believed that absolute freedom should be given to women to do
anything they wished to do in the world, provided they could do it as
well as men, and that nobody had any right to assert they should not.
Colonel Harris, even for a business man, was also advanced in his ideas.
He had advocated for his daughters that they should possess healthy
bodies and minds, and be able to observe closely and reason soundly.
Lucille said that she favored an education which would best conserve and
enlarge woman's graces, her delicate feeling and thought, and her love
for the beautiful.
Then Leo and Alfonso both declared that Lucille had expressed fully their
own opinions.
Colonel Harris added, "Come, Gertrude, tell us what you think."
Her face flushed a little as she replied, for she felt all that she said,
"Father, I like what Mr. Searles has told us. I think higher education
for women should develop purity of heart, self-forgetfulness, and
enlarged and enriched minds."
"Well spoken, daughter," said Colonel Harris. "Now, dear, what have you
to say?"
Mrs. Harris had listened well, as she had been a slave in the interests
of her children, especially of her daughters.
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