happen in our own souls. _No one can fail in life who does
not fail inside, and no one can succeed in life who only succeeds
outside._ I learned that from Dr. Leroy.

IS PLATONIC FRIENDSHIP POSSIBLE TO AN ATTRACTIVE WOMAN?

In telling the truth about my life and my innermost feelings I must
quote passages from my diary that were written in a light and often
flippant spirit, that being my mood at the time; but the lesson is there
just the same and in many instances tears follow close behind the
laughter. Furthermore, I thank God that my regeneration has not taken
away my sense of humor. One of the great troubles with neurasthenic
women is that they do not laugh enough.

I wrote the following about a year after my husband's death:

"We women are irrational creatures. Our emotions control us, and these
emotions change from day to day, from hour to hour. We never know how we
will act under any given circumstances--that may depend upon some man."

The truth is that the attraction which draws a man and a woman together
in what they call platonic friendship always has something of the
physical in it--on one side or the other. Or on both sides. Women will
not admit this, but it is true. They talk about the intellectual bond
that joins them to a man--what a precious interchange of thoughts! Or
the spiritual bond--such a soulful and inspiring companionship--nothing
else, my dear! I used to talk that way myself about Jimsy Brooks before
my husband died. He was my unchangeable rock of defense whenever the
subject of platonic friendship came up. Other men might fail and falter,
make fools of themselves, seek opportunities for--nonsense, but Jimsy
was Old Reliability. I could tell him everything, even my troubles with
Julian, I could trust him entirely. Alas!

One day I received this warning from Seraphine: "My beloved Penelope,
you are riding for a fall! I have had you in mind constantly since you
told me of your new friendship with Mr. R----. I know you intend to be
truly platonic and I can see you smiling as you recall your many years'
friendship with Jim Brooks to prove that such a thing is possible. But,
my dear, take warning in time. While it has apparently worked out in
that case, I am certain it is only the thought of losing 'even that that
he has' which has prevented Jimsy from telling you of his love long ago.
Your new playmate may cause you many heartaches before the game is
played out. Think it over."

Dear old S