I
have chosen my way, and must walk in it, even to the end, let it
terminate as it will. I had once a dream of other things--a sweet,
entrancing dream while it lasted--but to me it can never be more
than a dream. There are quiet, secluded, peaceful ways in life, and
happy are they who are content to walk in them. But they are not for
my feet, and I do not envy those who hide themselves in tranquil
valleys, or linger on the distant hill-slopes. The crowd, the hum,
the shock of social life for me!"
"But this you cannot have in S----. And is it not the part of a wise
woman--"
"Again, Doctor, let me beg of you to spare me." she said, lifting
her hands, and turning her face partly away. "I only half comprehend
you, and am hurt and disturbed by your well-meant suggestions. I am
not a wise woman, in your sense of the word, and cannot take your
admonitions to heart. Let us talk of something else."
And she changed the subject, as well as her whole manner and
expression of countenance, with a promptness that surprised me;
showing the existence of will and self-control that in a right
direction would have given her large power for good.
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