Of course, there are
exceptions. But I should be very sorry if any young man I knew--no;
why shouldn't I say _you_, at once?--should involve himself in
any such way. One thing leads to another, especially with the young;
and the very fact of irregularity, of romance, of strangeness in an
acquaintance, throws a false glamour over the relation, and appeals
to the sentiments in an unwarranted degree."
"Yes, that is so," said Lemuel.
The admission stimulated Sewell in the belief that he had a clue in
his hand which it was his duty to follow up. "The whole affair loses
proportion and balance. The fancy becomes excited, and some of
the most important interests--the very most important interests of
life--are committed to impulse." Lemuel remained silent, and it seemed
the silence of conviction. "A young man is better for knowing women
older than himself, more cultivated, devoted to higher things. Of
course, young people must see each other, must fall in love and get
married; but there need be no haste about such things. If there is
haste--if there is rashness, thoughtlessness--there is sure to be
unhappiness. Men are apt to outgrow their wives intellectually, if
their wives' minds are set on home and children, as they should be,
and allowance for this ought to be made, if possible. I would rather
that in the beginning the wife should be the mental superior.
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