So will any woman, who sets her mark high, and believes in the invincible power of her own spirit to conquer all the demons of earth.

Do not imagine your position is one of unusual trial and temptation.  A young actress of my acquaintance has been obliged to fight her way slowly to partial recognition because she would not accept the conditions offered, with leading roles and fine wardrobe, by two polygamous-minded managers.

She is making her way, however, and the very battle she is fighting with life has strengthened her powers as an artist.  A young stenographer has been compelled to give up two positions because she would not allow the loverlike attentions of married employers.  She was called a silly prude and discharged.  Yet she is occupying an excellent position with a clean high-class business house to-day.

Domestics are sometimes driven from private homes by the same pursuit of the employer.  Men are only in a state of evolution, and the animal instincts are still strong in them.  The world has allowed them so much license, and society has been so lenient with their misdeeds, that it has been difficult for them to practise self-control and aspire to a higher standard.  You must be sorry for them and do what you can to help them understand the worth and value of true womanhood.  Never for one instant believe that you can be hindered by the machinations of a few unworthy men, from reaching any goal you set.

One good, intelligently virtuous woman, determined to make the most of her capabilities by fair methods, can overcome a whole army of self-indulgent, sensual men, and compel them to doff their hats to her.  I am always deeply sympathetic toward the girl who is tempted through her emotions, or her affections, to forget herself.  But I have no great pity for the woman who sells herself.  There are always charitable societies, and there are always menial labours to do, and either door of escape from the sale of honour would be sought by the girl of right ideals.  It is a bitter experience to see the woman who has stepped down into the soil of life flaunting her finery and her power in the face of virtue.  But look about you and see how soon the finery becomes tatters—­how soon the power is transferred to another.

Woman’s position in the world is growing better, brighter, and more independent with each year.  There are more avenues open to her—­larger opportunities waiting for the employment of her abilities.  She has tried a thorny path for centuries, but she has small reason to despair of her outlook to-day.

Each woman must fight her battle alone, and walk by the light from within.

The world gives her only a superficial protection, either through its courts or its society.

Men demand virtue from woman and endeavour in every way to lead her away from its path.

But the divinity within her can carry her to the heights, if she will not be lured by the voice of the senses, or frightened by the demands of the appetite, or debased by the mercenary spirit of the age.