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Hichens, Robert Smythe, 1864-1950

"A Spirit in Prison"

But might it not have
stood to the world for many a woman?
"I needed some one to whom I could be kind, for whom I could think,
plan, hope, weave a fabric of ambitious dreams, look forward along the
path that leads to glory. I needed some one for whom I could be
unselfish, to whom I could often offer those small burnt sacrifices
whose smoke women love to see ascending towards God, burnt sacrifices
of small personal desire, small personal plans and intentions. I
needed some one to need my encouragement, my admiration--frequently
expressed--my perpetual sympathy hovering about him like a warm cloud
of fragrant incense, my gentle criticism, leading him to efforts which
would win from the world, and from me, more admiration of and wonder
at his energy and genius. I needed some one to stir within me woman's
soft passion for forgiveness, woman's delight in petting the child who
has been naughty, but who puts the naughtiness aside and runs home to
be good again. I needed some one to set upon a pedestal.


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