"
She had asked for it a quarter of an hour before, but Claudia had
forgotten so trivial a matter in the statement of her own woes. Now she
looked keenly at her mother to see if this request was but an attempt to
create a diversion. But the drawn look was sufficient. She hastily
measured out the medicine, and as hastily left the room saying, "I
will send Pinsett to you at once."
Pinsett was Mrs. Haberton's maid, who was speedily upon the spot to deal
with the invalid.
But Claudia had withdrawn to her own room, where she was soon deep in a
pamphlet upon the social position of Woman, her true Rights in the
World, and the noble opportunities for Serving Mankind outside the home.
[Sidenote: Wanted--a Career]
"Ah," said Claudia to herself, "if I could only find some occupation
which would give a purpose to existence--something which would make me
really useful!"
After all, was there any reason why she should not? There was Eroica
Baldwin, who had become a hospital nurse, and wore the neatest possible
costume with quite inimitable grace. It might be worth while asking her
a few questions. It was true she had never much cared for Eroica; she
was so tall and strong, so absurdly healthy, and so intolerant of one's
aspirations. Still, her experience might be of use.
There was Babette Irving--a foolish name, but it was her parents' fault;
they had apparently thought she would always remain an infant in arms.
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