The Crux
This story is, first, for young women to read; second, for young men to read; after that, for anybody who wants to. Anyone who doubts its facts and figures is referred to Social Diseases and Marriage, by Dr. Prince Morrow, or to Hygiene and Morality, by Miss Lavinia Dock, a trained nurse of long experience.
Approx. 52,258 words.
are you going to do? Won't it spoil your career?"
"No, my dear little girl, it will not!" said he. "On the contrary, it will be the making of me. I tell you, Vivian, I'm sick to death of this town of maiden ladies and 'good family men.' I'm sick of being fussed over for ever and ever, and having wristers and mufflers knitted for me and being told to put on my rubbers! There's no fun in this old clamshell--this kitchen-midden of a town--and I'm going to quit it."
He stood up and stretched his long arms. "I'm going to quit it for good and all."
The girl sat still, her hands gripping the seat on either side.
"Where are you going?" she asked in a low voice.
"I'm going west--clear out west. I've been talking with Aunt Rella about it. Dr. Bellair'll help me to a job, she thinks. She's awful cut up, of course. I'm sorry she feels bad but she needn't, I tell her. I shall do better there than I ever should have here. I know a fellow that left college his father failed and he went in