RISE OF FATHERRIGHT 93 



ing in mind that we cannot postulate any invariable 

 series of stages through which it must have passed. 

 We began with the reception of temporary lovers by 

 women in their own homes. A connection thus 

 formed tends with favouring circumstances to perpe- 

 tuation ; and the lover (or husband, as he may then be 

 called) is installed as a permanent guest in his wife's 

 tent or hut. Often the connection is at first secret. Of 

 this stage the well-known taboo by the wife's relations 

 of her husband is beyond reasonable doubt a conse- 

 quence. It is not merely the result, as Professor 

 Tylor long ago proved, of the residence of the husband 

 with the wife's kin : it specifically follows from the 

 secrecy of the connection between husband and wife. 

 It is the ceremonial expression of an open secret, and 

 as such endures long after all pretence at secrecy has 

 disappeared, and even after residence at the wife's 

 home has ceased to be practised. 



Cohabitation, however, can continue to be ignored 

 by the woman's kindred so long only as they remain 

 indifferent by whose assistance their number is in- 

 creased. The moment they find in their women a 

 means of purchasing for themselves wives, worldly 

 goods or the goodwill of surrounding clans, they will 

 exercise more or less supervision over the permanent 

 alliances which these women contract. At first, and 

 for a long time, mere passing amours are not regarded, 

 or at least they are not interfered with. But by-and- 

 by virginity comes to have a special market-value, the 

 stringency of the sexual code is increased, and a 

 jealous watch is thenceforth kept upon maidenhood. 

 Long before this stage is reached the woman's con- 

 nubial arrangements become subject to the recognition 



