So much so that she often found difficulty in persuading young men of her true nature. Certainly the young officers at Fort Sorrel failed to appreciate her and showed little desire to join in sober discussions as to the country-wide implications of the treaty council. Being serious-minded, Cornelia felt compassion for the mass of humanity less fortunate than herself in the matter of worldly goods and social position. Her heart went out to the poorer classes and she wanted to help them achieve better conditions in life. At times, it must be admitted, she wondered if perhaps her efforts fell on barren ground. Attending a social function organized by a friend’s father for his workers, she overheard a number of comments on her motives for being present, few of which were complimentary, However, her select group of intensely intellectual friends explained that such often happened and laid the blame on bosses’ spies making trouble and preventing the other workers from seeing the light.
