“Heavens!” exclaimed Nina, “the blue-stocking and the fogy!—and yours are pale blue, Eileen!—you’re about as self-conscious as Drina—slumping there with your hair tumbling à la Mérode! Oh, it's very picturesque, of course, but a straight spine and good grooming is better.[…]”

substantial life

unsilenced voices of protest

Participation in primaries was often more important than in the general election because the Democratic Party nominee was a shoo-in for success in the general election.