day of our lives.  We may be in order and in perfect harmony to some higher law, the relation of which to ourselves it is impossible to explain to our brother, our sister, or our friend.  There would be no individual life, if there were no separate harmonies and methods of action.  You need, my friend, more of woman’s sphere to help you to live in strength and harmony with the one you are united to.  She is mentally strong, and gives you of your own quality too much.  Find your balance, your mental and spiritual poise, by mingling with those who supply your deficiency.”

“You have given me life, Mrs. Wyman, and hope.  If I had your independent mind, I might be my own helper.”

“I may be the one to give you independence of thought and action, or, rather, to stimulate yours, for all have some independence.”

“I feel stronger, now, bodily, than I have for a long time,” he said, looking at his watch, “and hope I shall have the pleasure of seeing you again soon.”

“Come whenever you feel to; you will always be welcome.”

They bade each other good night; he, refreshed and encouraged by her thoughts and words; she, happier, as all are, by extending their life.

But we must turn another leaf, and look at life as it appears to the narrow-minded and opinionated.

“You have been gone a long time, Howard; I’m very tired,” were the words that came from the lips of Mrs. Deane, as she looked at the clock, which was just striking ten as her husband entered.

“Not so very late, my dear.  I am sorry your head aches; would you not feel better to go out a little oftener?”

“Howard, you know I am not able.  Besides, I’m weary of society.  I do not find any congenial souls here; the most of them are growing so radical I feel heart-sick and weary whenever I think of mingling with them.  No, Howard, I must be left to myself; my home and my husband are all on earth I care for.  By the way,” she said, a trifle brighter, “have you heard that Hugh Wyman and his wife have been the means of separating a Mrs. Dalton and husband?  I do wish that man was at the bottom of the Red-”

“Mabel!”

“Why do you always flare up so when I mention his name?  I do believe that in your soul you care more for him than all the good men in this village.”

“I do.”

“You do?  Then you are no better than he, in my opinion, and others, Howard; you will ruin your reputation if you associate with him.”

“I wish I was half as good as he is; that I had one fraction of his independence and manhood to help me through life.  O, Mabel, lay aside your prejudices, and learn to see life for yourself, with unclouded vision.”

“You would have me mingle, then, with people who have no respect for the holy law of marriage; and people who talk as coolly of separation of men and women as they would of parting animals?”

“Who told you they were the cause of their separation?”