s their only
object, and that of their parents for them, seems to be to secure
sufficient education to make them pass creditably through the common
life of ordinary women.

"I thought you might have a definite object in view; and as you are
now fairly started in your classes, and, as your teachers tell me, are
doing very well, if you had a plan, you could find time to choose such
other studies as would help you."

This was new to Marion; she asked for time to think it over, which
Miss Ashton gladly allowed her.

She had in her heart made her choice, but that, with all the other
advantages offered, she could do anything except in a general way to
help this choice forward, she had never dreamed. Her room-mates
noticed how silent and thoughtful she was after her talk with Miss
Ashton, and wondered what could be the cause, surely she was too
faithful and far too good a scholar for any remissness that would have
to be rebuked; but no one asked her a question.

It was after two days that Marion wrote her mother, and her letter
caused a great surprise in the Western parsonage. This is in part what
she wrote:--

"Miss Ashton has asked me what I am to _do_ in the future. It
seems they not only give you the regular curriculum, but are
ready to allow you elective studies, by which you can fit
yourself for your particular future.

"I wonder if you will think me a foolish girl when I write you
that, if you both approve, I should like to be a doctor! Don't
laugh! I have seen so much sickness that there was no really
educated physician to relieve, and am, as you have so often
called me, 'a regular born nurse,' that the profession, if a
profession I am capable of acquiring, seems very tempting to me.
There is no hurry in the decision, only please think it over,
and write me your advice."

It was not long before an answer came:--

"You are quite capable of choosing for yourself; and if you turn
naturally to the medical profession, you will have our full
approval of your choice."

When Marion read this, she felt as if she had grown suddenly many
years older. She looked carefully over the list of studies, to see
from which she could gain the greatest help, and in a short time after
her conversation with Miss Ashton she reported herself as a future
M.D.

This was not a rare profession for a young girl to choose. Miss Ashton
knew that already there were a number with that in view. What she
doubt