Part 33 (1/2)
Two answers in one breath.
”It is very polite of you,” I said, ”to disclaim the honor and each one give it to the other, but, seriously, is there no head?”
”Why, no,” answered Thorwald; ”we never think of such a thing, and yet you must admit that things run smoothly without it.”
”I will then try again, if you please,” I said. ”Which of you is the bread-winner?”
To which Zenith replied:
”That question is hardly appropriate, for you know we do not work for our daily bread. The bread would come anyway, whether we worked or not; but then, as a matter of fact, every one does work at some useful occupation, because we have found out by long experience that it is much better for us than idleness. If you reply that you have not seen us work while you have been here, I will say that our time is considered to be well employed if we can be learning anything or imparting knowledge to others, as this is supposed to add indirectly to the general well-being of society. But perhaps what you want to know is which of us does the more to benefit the world, and even this would be a difficult question to answer. Thorwald creates, we will say, an elaborate design for a n.o.ble cathedral, and as he watches its fair proportions rise under the hands of skilled men, who take an equal pride and satisfaction in their work, his heart is made glad by the thought that for many years after he has left the body the structure will be used as a place for teaching the way of life, with its graceful spires pointing men to heaven. While I, perhaps--”
”Let me tell that part,” interrupted Thorwald. ”While Zenith, with just as strong a feeling of responsibility for a share of the world's work, composes a beautiful song and writes the music for it, and then sings it before a vast audience, while the phonograph catches it and holds it for future generations. Is she not doing as much as I am toward earning the bread for the family?”
”It certainly cannot be denied,” I answered. ”But what I want to find out is, to use a homely expression common with us, which of you two holds the reins in this home?”
”Well,” replied Thorwald, laughing, ”that is a figure of speech which is not employed here, for we use no reins of any kind; but I know what you mean, and I will answer you by saying that we each hold one rein, and in that way drive as steadily as if we were one person.”
”But when disputes arise, which one gives in?”
”Disputes never arise, and if they did we would both 'give in,' whatever that expression means.”
”If not your wills, do not your wishes or inclinations sometimes oppose each other?”
”Why, no,” Thorwald answered quickly. ”It is impossible, and for this reason: each one of us is so intent on trying to please the other that we are saved from all temptation to selfishness, which is the root and source of all differences.”
While I was considering what next to ask, the doctor broke in with:
”I think my companion will be obliged to discontinue his questions and accept the truth that here we have found an ideal household, where husband and wife are in reality equal. Let me ask if the women, all over this happy world, are treated with as much consideration as in the case before us.”
”Why, what a funny question,” exclaimed Zenith, before Thorwald could speak. ”Why don't you ask if, all over this happy world, we treat our men with consideration and respect? But, to save you the trouble of asking, I will say that, all over this happy world, a man is held in as high esteem and is as tenderly cared for as a woman, every bit. Your words, Doctor, remind me that I have several times wanted to speak to you about a certain manner which you and your friend have exhibited toward me. No one could accuse you of disrespect to Thorwald; indeed, I think your carriage toward him is excellent, but with me you seem to be a little strained, and your manner is a trifle effusive. Pardon me for the criticism. I know your action is well meant, although it is something I am not accustomed to.”
”I suppose,” said the doctor, ”you refer to our feeble and, it appears, stupid efforts to be polite.”
”Oh, then I ought to feel complimented instead of finding fault with you. But why should you wish to be more respectful to me than to Thorwald? He is more worthy your regard than I am, and has as many rights in this house as I have, exactly.”
”We have been taught to pay an extra deference to women,” answered the doctor.
”Why?” asked Zenith. ”Because they are superior beings?”
”Hardly that, I think.”
”Then it must be because they are considered inferior, and you seek to hide your real feeling, which is one of commiseration, by a false show of politeness.”
”That sounds harsh,” said the doctor, ”and I believe you are not correct.”
”Oh, I do not mean to criticise you personally,” Zenith made haste to say, ”but the system. It seems to me that you, Doctor, try to be sincere; and a.s.suming that to be so, let me ask you why you are more ceremonious in your manner to your neighbor's wife than to your neighbor's husband.”
”Well, let me see. Why do I instinctively make a special show of respect in meeting a woman? I never a.n.a.lyzed my feeling, but I will try to do so for you. I think one princ.i.p.al reason is because it is so very conventional that she would expect it, and think me either piqued or ill-bred if I omitted it. Then, deeper than that is a desire to tell her that I recognize in her and admire those graces and amenities which are supposed to be peculiar to her s.e.x. And I suppose there is, also, a little selfishness in it, as if I were asking her to take note that I knew what were the usages of good society.”
”But would you not also tell her in effect by your flattery, if you will excuse the word, that she and the rest of her s.e.x are by birth not quite equal to men, and you are trying to make up the difference all you can by politeness?”
”I am not conscious of such a feeling, I am sure,” answered the doctor.