could only
make yourself see clearly the fallacy of thinking that every man you
meet is going to love you for eternity. A woman like yourself can
attract lovers by the dozen; but yours is not the temperament to inspire
a serious relationship which might become a lasting friendship. If you
constantly see yourself left in the lurch and abandoned by your admirers
before you have tired of them yourself, it is because you always delude
yourself on this point.

I know another woman situated very much as you are. She too has a large
family, and a weakness for the opposite sex. Everybody knows that she
has her passing love affairs, but no one quarrels with her on that
score.

She is really entitled to some respect, for she lives in her own house
the life of an irreproachable matron. She shows the tenderest regard for
the needs of her children, and never a man crosses her threshold but the
doctor.

You see, dear Magna, that I have devoted half my Christmas night to you,
which I certainly should not have done if I did not feel a special
sympathy for you. If I wind up my letter with a proposal that may wound
your feelings at first sight, you must try to understand that it is
kindly meant.

Living here alone, a few months' experience has shown me that my income
exceeds my requirements, and I can offer to supply you with a sum which
you can pay me back in a year or two, without interest. This would
enable you to learn some kind of business which would secure you a
living and free you from family interference. Consider it well.

I live so entirely to myself on this island that I have plenty of time
to ponder over my own lot and that of other people. Write to me when you
feel the wish or need to do so. I will reply to the best of my ability.
If I am very taciturn about my own affairs, it springs from an
idiosyncrasy that I cannot overcome. To make sure of my meaning I have
read my letter through once more, and find that it does not express all
I wanted to say. Never mind, it is true in the main. Only try to
understand that I do not wish to sit in judgment upon you, only to
throw some light on the situation. With all kind thoughts.

Yours,
ELSIE LINDTNER.

* * * * *

It snows, and snows without ceasing. The trees are already wrapped in
snow, like precious objects packed in wadding. The paths will soon be
heaped up to their level. The snowflakes are as larg