o him
weakness itself, would aim to suggest eventually that noblest phase of
strength--woman's patience and fortitude.

It must not be supposed that Madge reached these conclusions in days,
weeks, or even months. Her final purposes were the result of slow,
half-conscious growth. Right, brave action produced right feeling, and
there are few better moral tonics than developing health. With richer,
better blood came truer, higher, and more unselfish thoughts. She
found that she could not only live, but that vigorous, well-directed
life is in itself enjoyment. It was a pleasure to breathe the pure,
balmy air, even when reclining in a carriage or a sail-boat, and as
she gained strength sufficient for exercise, she soon became aware of
the rich physical rewards that wait upon it. Slowly at first, but with
an increasing impetus, she advanced toward health, the condition
of all genuine life. She at last exchanged her carriage for a
saddle-horse.

Mr. Wayland had one taste in which his wife did not share--a love
for horseback exercise, which, indeed, was one of the chief
characteristics of the community. Madge knew that Graydon was
extremely fond of a good horse, and that he rode superbly. To become
his equal therefore in this respect was one of the chief dreams of
her ambition. It was with almost a sense of terror that she mounted at
first, but Mr. Wayland was considerate. Her horse was only permitted
to walk, and she was taken off as soon as she was weary. Confidence
increased rapidly, and eventually she became fearless and almost
tireless. The beach was like a smooth, hard road-bed, and before the
summer was over she thought little of a gallop of ten miles, with the
breath of the Pacific fanning her cheek. When Mr. Wayland drove with
his wife up through Mission and Hot Springs canons, or eight miles
away to the exquisitely beautiful Bartlett Canon and the fine adjacent
ranches, she accompanied them on horseback. As she flashed along past
date-palms, and through lemon and orange groves, she began to appear
semi-tropical herself. She also became Mr. Wayland's companion on his
botanizing expeditions, and her steps among the rocks of the foothills
and on the slopes of the mountains grew surer, lighter, and more
unwearied. Color stole into her face, and a soft fire into her dark
eyes when animated. Mrs. Wayland looked on with increasing delight,
and thought, "She is growing very beautiful. I wonder if she knows
it?"

Indeed s