There is no torture about it , for tight lacing is out of fashion , and we have nice , sensible things nowadays . Everyone wears them ; even babies have stiffened waists to support their weak little backs , '' began Mrs. Clara , rushing to the defence of the pet delusion of most women . `` I know it , and so the poor little souls have weak backs all their days , as their mothers had before them . It is vain to argue the matter , and I wo n't try , but I wish to state , once for all , that if I ever see a pair of corsets near Rose , I 'll put them in the fire , and you may send the bill to me . '' As he spoke the corsets were on their way to destruction , but Mrs. Jessie caught his arm , exclaiming merrily , `` Do n't burn them , for mercy sake , Alec ; they are full of whalebones , and will make a dreadful odour . Give them to me . I 'll see that they do no harm . '' `` Whalebones , indeed ! A regular fence of them , and metal gate-posts in front . As if our own bones were not enough , if we 'd give them a chance to do their duty , '' growled the Doctor , yielding up the bone of contention with a last shake of contempt . Then his face cleared suddenly , and he held up his finger , saying , with a smile , `` Hear those girls laugh ; cramped lungs could not make hearty music like that . '' Peals of laughter issued from Rose 's room , and smiles involuntarily touched the lips of those who listened to the happy sound . `` Some new prank of yours , Alec ? '' asked Aunt Plenty , indulgently , for she had come to believe in most of her nephew 's odd notions , because they seemed to work so well . `` Yes , ma'am , my last , and I hope you will like it . I discovered what Clara was at , and got my rival suit ready for to-day . I 'm not going to ` afflict ' Rose , but let her choose , and if I 'm not entirely mistaken , she will like my rig best . While we wait I 'll explain , and then you will appreciate the general effect better . I got hold of this little book , and was struck with its good sense and good taste , for it suggests a way to clothe women both healthfully and handsomely , and that is a great point . It begins at the foundations , as you will see if you will look at these pictures , and I should think women would rejoice at this lightening of their burdens . ''
As he spoke , the XXXXX laid the book before Aunt Plenty , who obediently brought her spectacles to bear upon the illustrations , and after a long look exclaimed , with a scandalised face , `` Mercy on us , these things are like the night-drawers Jamie wears !
Doctor Jessie Rose corsets fire gate-posts lacing odour waists whalebones