The day is coming for true and earnest communion between the sexes, and the day is rapidly passing by when the glorious life which has been given us is misdirected and misapplied.

CHAPTER XXXVI.

Threads of silver shot through Dawn’s silken hair, yet she grew more beautiful as the years matured her.  The children under her care grew to be young men and women, and went out into the world qualified to live harmonious lives.  She had taught them the true religion of life; had impressed upon their minds the importance of enjoying this life, that they might be prepared to enjoy the life that follows it; that to be happy now is to be happy forever, for the present is always ours, the future never.

“I have one wish more,” she said to her friend, Miss Bernard.

“And pray tell me what modest ambition you have just now?”

“It is one I have long cherished.  I wish to see a hospital for invalids erected within sight of this Home.”

“You are so successful in seeing your wishes ultimated, I shall expect to see one in a few months.”

“I should be glad to see a good list of names with generous subscriptions by that time.  I think if all the extra plate and jewelry of wealthy families, articles which do them no good, or rather the surplus (for the beautiful in moderation ever does us good) were sold, and the money given to such an object, very much might be done.  I see, when I come in contact with people, the great need that exists for an institution where patients can be surrounded with all that is lovely and artistic, and their spiritual and physical needs attended to.  Many need only change of magnetism and conditions, with the feeling that they have a protecting care around them, to change the whole tone of the system.  Others are weak, have lost mental stamina, and need the tonic of stronger minds; while some need tenderness and love, and to be treated like weary children.  Many would need no physical ministration direct, but spiritual uplifting, which would in time project its force through the mental, and harmonize the body.  There are many such cases.”

“True, I know we need such an institution to meet those wants which you have so faithfully sketched; and if a few earnest men and women work for that end, may we not hope to see it accomplished, and the blue dome rising somewhere among these hills?  I will contribute my part, and give a good portion of my time for its accomplishment.”

“If all felt as you do we might surely see it in our day; but we will hope that the need will develop such a place, for the need is but an index pointing to the establishment of such an institution.”

“I have often wondered if cases of insanity might not be treated more successfully than they are by scientific men.”

“I feel that they could be under pure inspiration, and in nine cases out of ten, the disharmonized mind be restored to harmony.”