views, Mr. Warwick, for you quite
take my breath away."

Much to Sylvia's surprise Adam appeared to like the subject, and placed
his views at Prue's disposal with alacrity.

"I would begin at the beginning, and teach young people that marriage is
not the only aim and end of life, yet would fit them for it, as for a
sacrament too high and holy to be profaned by a light word or thought.
Show them how to be worthy of it and how to wait for it. Give them a
law of life both cheerful and sustaining; a law that shall keep them
hopeful if single, sure that here or hereafter they will find that other
self and be accepted by it; happy if wedded, for their own integrity of
heart will teach them to know the true god when he comes, and keep them
loyal to the last."

"That is all very excellent and charming, but what are the poor souls to
do who haven't been educated in this fine way?" asked Prue.

"Unhappy marriages are the tragedies of our day, and will be, till we
learn that there are truer laws to be obeyed than those custom
sanctions, other obstacles than inequalities of fortune, rank, and age.
Because two persons love, it is not always safe or wise for them to
marry, nor need it necessarily wreck their peace to live apart. Often
what seems the best affection of our hearts does more for us by being
thwarted than if granted its fulfilment and prove a failure which
embitters two lives instead of sweetening one."

He paused there, but Prue wanted a clearer answer, and turned to Faith,
sure that the woman would take her own view of the matter.

"Which of us is right, Miss Dane, in Helen's case?"

"I cannot venture to judge the young lady, knowing so little of her
character or the influences that have surrounded her, and believing that
a certain divine example is best for us to follow at such times. I agree
with Mr. Warwick, but not wholly, for his summary mode of adjustment
would not be quite just nor right in all cases. If both find that they
do not love, the sooner they part the wiser; if one alone makes the
discovery the case is sadder still, and harder for either to decide. But
as I speak from observation only my opinions are of little worth."

"Of great worth, Miss Dane; for to women like yourself observation often
does the work of experience, and despite your modesty I wait to hear the
opinions."

Warwick spoke, and spoke urgently, for the effect of all this upon
Sylvia was too absorbing a study to be relinquished ye