ntain of Self-discovery is not an easy one. One's
unaccustomed feet get sore, and one's courage wavers when the trail
sometimes creeps along precipices or shoots steeply up over rocks. But I
think the greatest test comes when the little hamlets appear--quiet,
peaceful little spots, with smoke curling out of the chimneys of
nestling houses. They offer such peace and comfort for weary feet. It's
then one is tempted to throw away the mountain-staff and accept the
invitation of the open door and welcoming hearth."

"Oh, Esther," I exclaimed, "were you afraid I was going to throw away my
mountain-staff?"

"Oh, no, no. I was simply speaking figuratively." She would not be
personal.

"I'm not such a poor climber as all that," I went on. "I am a bit
discouraged tonight. You've guessed it, but I am not for giving up."

"If one ever gets near the top of the mountain of Self-discovery,"
Esther pursued dreamily, "he becomes master not only of his own little
peak, but commands a panorama of hundreds of other peaks. He not only
conquers his own difficult trail, but wins, as reward for himself,
vision, far-reaching."

I loved Esther when she talked like this.

"Well," I assured her, "I am going to get to the top of my peak, if it
takes a life-time. No hamlets by the wayside for me," I laughed.

"Oh, no," she corrected. "Never to the top, Ruth--not _here_. The top of
the mountain of Self-discovery is hidden in the clouds of eternity. We
can simply approach it. So then," she broke off, "you aren't deserting
me?"

"Of course I'm not, Esther," I assured her.

"What do you mean to do next, then--if you're leaving Mrs. Sewall?"

"I don't know. Don't ask. I'm new at mountain-climbing, and when my
trail crawls along precipices, I refuse to look over the edge and get
dizzy. Something will turn up."

The next morning's mail brought a letter from Mrs. Sewall. My services
would not be needed any longer. Enclosed was a check which paid me up to
the day of my departure. In view of the circumstances, it would be wiser
to sever our connections immediately. Owing to the unexpected return of
her son, they were both starting within a few days for the Pacific
coast. Therefore, she would suggest that I return immediately by
express all papers and other property of hers which chanced to be in my
possession. It was a regret that her confidence had been so misplaced.

I read Mrs. Sewall's displeasure in every sentence of that curt little
note.