The United States, except possibly in certain sections, has not
come to the end of its growth toward postponed marriage.
It is true that in Massachusetts, within the past forty-five
years, the average age of women at marriage has risen from 20.7
to 24.6. That is a very "modern" and "developed" marriage age.
But many of the older countries surpass it. In Belgium, for
instance, which is a most intensely industrialized country, the
average age of women at marriage is 28.19.
It is hard, indeed, to look at the advancing marriage age and to
compare its varying rate of progress in different continents,
different countries, different localities, and different social
circles without admitting that, whatever whirling, nebulous mists
of personal preferences it may create and carry with it, its
nucleus is purely economic.
Early marriage was made by economic advantages. It was destroyed
by economic changes. It will not be restored except by economic
adjustments.
"Nevertheless," said Mary, "I want John."
John had finished being engineer for the electric railway
company.
Out of his two years' experience he had saved a few hundred
dollars.
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