CONTENTS

BOOK ONE: CHALLENGING THE IDEA OF CHASTITY
PAGE
I. We Discuss the Responsibilities of Parents and Critics 3
II. I Meditate, in front of a Bookcase, on Scott, Jane Austen, Charlotte Brontë, and the Good Victorians 17
III. H. G. Wells, Galsworthy, May Sinclair, J. D. Beresford 27
IV. Seven Reasons for Mr. Hergesheimer, D. H. Lawrence, and the Emetic School 35
V. We Discuss Marriage and the Hope of the Younger Generation 48
BOOK TWO: AN ELIGIBLE YOUNG MAN
I. Cornelia’s Children React to a Suitable Match 61
II. Let’s Walk 67
III. Prerequisites of a Decent Marriage 73
IV. Cornelia Appreciates Her Husband 80
V. We Discuss the Inner Life 86
VI. A Theory of Happiness 91
VII. The Real Thing 97
BOOK THREE: TREATING OF MODERN GIRLS
I. The Education of Daughters 103
II. Flags of Revolt 118
III. Bloom 120
IV. Careers for Women 129
BOOK FOUR: CORNELIA AND DIONYSUS
I. Ennui in the Provinces 139
II. New Year’s Eve in New York 150
III. His Excellency on Economic Necessity 162
IV. Vernon Willys on Bacchic Ecstasy 171
V. I Explain the Position of Cæsar’s Wives 184
VI. I Discuss the Ethics of an Automobiling Civilization 203
VII. The Vengeance of Dionysus 211
BOOK FIVE: APPROACHING RELIGION AND OTHER GRAVE MATTERS
I. We Meet in Southern California 223
II. Oliver Junior Discusses His Parents, Their Religion, and His Own 230
III. Table Talk at Santo Espiritu 245
IV. A Silence by the Sea 253
V. Cornelia’s Religious Experience 267