s) that idleness and
uselessness make for selfishness and sensuality. Also for irreligion.
These ultra _mondaines_ think of God in an amiable, well-bred way--they
approve of God, and they say their prayers in an amiable, well-bred way;
but none of this avails to regenerate their lives or to combat the
sensuality of their self-indulgent men. Nor does it save these women
themselves from submitting to a social regime that is largely based on
indulgence of the senses and the appetites. _Il y en a, de ces femmes du
monde, qui se conduisent d'une facon pire que les filles de joie._

* * * * *

As for myself I told my husband everything. I kept back nothing of my
waywardness and sinfulness, my evil thoughts and desires. I admit that
most men would not forgive a wife or a young bride who confessed to some
sex transgression committed before her marriage. I also admit that the
chances are against a husband's discovering such a transgression, if the
wife keeps silent. It is apparently to the wife's advantage to keep
silent; it apparently pays, in this case, to live a lie; but if deeper
values are considered, if the sacredness of a woman's soul is taken into
account, then a woman will see that she must confess, regardless of
consequences. Alas, this is a very hard thing for the ordinary woman to
do--the ordinary woman who is neither a saint on a stained glass window
nor the heroine of a novel. But if she has the moral courage to confess
her sin (knowing that life is given us for something else than temporary
advantage), then, having cleansed her soul, she will be singularly
blessed with peace of mind, and will be given strength to bear whatever
comes, even loneliness. Besides, there are men who know how to forgive.
God knows most of them have need enough to be forgiven themselves.

EPILOGUE

A WOMAN'S LITANY

(_Written by Penelope Wells_)

I dedicate to other women who may have done wrong, as I did, or who may
be sorely tempted as I was, these thoughts that have comforted me--they
have been like a consecration of my life. I have had them printed on
vellum in a little red book no larger than a visiting card and so thin
that I can slip it inside my glove. This is my talisman. I read these
thoughts whenever I am wavering or discouraged, wherever I may be, in
crowds or solitude, walking in the street, sitting in a car, and they
always give me new heart and courage.

I

When I am weak o