"Haven't your ideas undergone something of a revolution, mother?"

"Yes, indeed, they have, but I fancy that a great many people do not employ revolution - but evolutionize their ideas concerning marriage and divorce when it comes into their own lives. I really believe there is a gradually changing attitude of society toward this serious problem and feel almost certain, that out of this chaotic state, marriage will be regarded in the future as human partnership, instead of an institution of tyranny where, through the law of man the bodies as well as souls are daily sacrificed."

Truth laughed heartily as she saw her mother so excited.

"It is just like you, you dear little mother, to take a business view of this vital question. But Let us first of all consider the fundamental principle, that divine love only sanctifies a union, even though a thousand ministers declare it a holy bond. 'Marriage without Love becomes a sacrilege to God's eternal law.' The great trouble is, that so many young people mistake an infatuation for love, vow eternal devotion to each other; the church ever ready to fasten the fetters upon them, snaps the lock, and throws away the key."

"Then," continued Truth, drawing a long heavy sigh, "after the poor deluded souls awaken from their fondest dreams, they find instead of having entered paradise, they have been sentenced to prison for life - and left to perish. - like the honey bee, the lover having sipped all the sweetness from the fragrant flower - casts it aside to wither - and die."

"How true, dearie," replied Mrs, Ralston, gravely, "but I have asked myself the question many times, would young people be so liable to make these sad mistakes if they were properly enlightened upon the whole sex question, and this false glamor all the world calls - Love."

"I sincerely believe, mother, and hope the time will come, that every soul will be taught and awakened to the knowledge that the main object of marriage, as God intended it - is the blending of two hearts with a love divine. Upon this law, reason and proper understanding, rests the salvation of the race, and I feel that the time is not distant when all those ready to enter into wedlock will be required to submit to an examination, morally, mentally and most essential of all - physically. Such a law enforced in this age of ignorance will be the only remedy to obliterate this social crime which confronts us daily."

The ring of the door bell interrupted their most engaging review of the social problem. Several ladies who had become much interested in Truth's work among the blind, called to make future arrangements for an automobile party for all those attending the institution.

Mrs. Chalmers, one of the society leaders, exclaimed enthusiastically: "Why, everybody I have asked seems to be perfectly delighted to donate their machines and assist in whatever way necessary to have this first touring party a big success."

After completing all the details for the program for that day's festivity, the ladies took their departure with the consciousness that they had never enjoyed anything more in their lives, than being able to afford this little pleasure to the sightless ones.

"Isn't it glorious mother, that every day, men and women are awakening to the joy of service. Are losing themselves in a great cause, as we have done. Despite the heavy dark cloud that hung over our horizon, you have enjoyed my work among the blind, and instead of being depressed, have been uplifted by the 'Spirit of Love9 and the service you rendered these afflicted ones, has given you joy, such as you never experienced before. Come now, own up, Mother. Am I not right?"

Mrs. Ralston made no reply, as Truth continued fervently. "This noble work in which you have assisted me so faithfully, is wonderfully adapted to your ability. Why not let your ambition center itself on promoting the welfare of the blind, instead of trying to secure social position for me? Society has no comparisons to the great victory which together we might achieve. You know, mother dear, how interested father was in the blind, and how happy it would make him, even now, to know that we are willing to share the fortune he left us so worthily."

Profoundly affected by Truth's sincerity, Mrs. Ralston gazed silently into the dying fire. In some strange, unaccountable way she felt the fire of her worldly ambition wane and sat deeply in thought as Faith Morris entered the room.

"Are you here, Truth?"

"Yes, dear, come along, you are just in time to hear me read to mother a very interesting article in today's Magazine for Women about the work Mrs. Alden founded for the blind in New York."

"Oh, I will be so happy to learn all that is done in our behalf," replied Faith, as she groped for a chair and seated herself beside the fireplace.

"Will you listen, mother," asked Truth, while drawing a stool to her side.

"Certainly, child," replied Mrs. Ralston, gravely. "I am always glad to listen to your reading, dear, aren't you, Faith?"

"Indeed I am; go ahead, girlie, we are ready."

Then Truth began the interesting story of a great movement and read of the "Dawn of a New Hope for the Blind." How a noble woman had reached supreme achievements in a great city for the relief of those who cannot see. How the authorities were made to see the evils of a despicable system of neglect. She described how Mrs. Cynthia Westover Alden called at the office of the mayor of New York City, and shocked the attendant outside the door of the executive's office with this amazing mandate: "Please tell the mayor that I have six blind babies outside. I am going to hit them on the head with a hammer and drop them over the Brooklyn bridge, and I want him to take some of the responsibility for it."

Mrs. Alden did not look like a murderous crank when she sent this ungentle message to the chief executive of a great city. But by reason of that startling message she gained access to the office of the mayor and told her pitiful story. In explanation of her blood-curdling suggestion she told the mayor that it would be better to put the unfortunate babes out of their misery at a single blow, as she had intimated, rather than to continue letting them die by inches, as was then the case in New York, almost literally.

Truth continued to read the vivid details of a wonderful work from its incipiency. She read how Mrs. Alden had asserted to the mayor of New York, that nowhere in that city or anywhere in the United States, was there a refuge for a blind orphan babe under eight years of age. She described how human love had provided havens for all other classes, including sick babies, well babies, crippled babies, feeble minded babies, and even for cats, dogs, birds and for every other variety of helpless little animals. The appeal of this woman, inspired by a great and enduring love for the helpless and a yearning to do something to lift them out of their miserable existence, had a wholesome effect upon the good man of the big city and he promised to help - and about four years later his promise was redeemed, when he signed a bill authorizing -an appropriation for the care of dependent blind babies.

And as Truth continued the story the wonders of the effect of self-sacrifice and devotion were unfolded. How an International Sunshine branch for the Blind was inaugurated after struggles, that taxed the patience and strength of the good woman who was the moving spirit of it all in that great city. The story told of the establishment of the home for blind babies, the first of its kind, for which Mrs. Alden had raised thousands by her personal efforts. This was followed by a winning fight to have the Home Kindergarten made a part of the public school system. These and innumerable other achievements were told in the story that Truth read to Faith and Mrs. Ralston. A story that thrilled and enlightened, a tale of wonderful results of human endeavor, where real god-given charity was the inspiration. A story of help for the helpless in a movement whose scope was bounded only by the borders of a nation. And, finally, a story of rich promises of the realization of the dream of Truth, that there might one day be erected as a monument to human love and generosity, a veritable lighthouse for the Blind.

"Is it not deplorable," said Truth, at the conclusion of the story, "that while the afflictions of all other classes are cared for through public generosity, that the blind alone should be the subject of neglect and forgetfulness. And is it not wonderful what can be accomplished when the right kind of effort is put forth?"

"Yes," assented Faith. "It is all wrong to assume that just because we cannot see, we should be set aside as helpless. Fortunately I was able to obtain a musical education and have become self-supporting, but think of how many are shut into the world of darkness with no chance to earn a livelihood and become independent."

"The blind," replied Truth sadly, "are somehow forgotten."

Faith's eyes became moist. "More than forgotten - not even thought of."

"How true," replied Truth sadly, "when we stop to think how much is done for those who can see! Millions are given for their education; libraries, parks and amusements of every description; every movement is encouraged generously for the seeing world. But very little is done for the blind. To give them a chance to become self-supporting should certainly appeal to all who wish to help a worthy cause."

Mrs. Ralston listened attentively. "But my dear girls - there are so many worthy causes that need our help."

"This is so different," interjected Truth in a slightly impatient tone. "It is simply to help the blind to help themselves and to do this in a spirit of love is altogether necessary, to not humiliate the recipient receiving the assistance, from their more fortunate friends."

"We are handicapped not alone through our blindness," said Faith. "Even though we are qualified to take good positions, how many would trust our ability or even give us a trial to prove what we are able to do? This makes us feel our terrible affliction so much more."

So interested did they all become, after learning the social needs of the blind, that a little society was organized to promote their welfare in many ways.

Mrs. Ralston and her daughter became the leaders of this movement, which spread with quiet rapidity, including among its zealous workers the members of all denominations.

And so the dream of Truth came to be partially realized. A great state had come to the rescue, and a law whose purpose was compulsory meaures, to prevent blindness among children at birth, for a larger percentage of blindness might have been prevented had the necessary steps been taken at the cradle side.

Through faithful workers the American Association for the welfare of the blind was organized. And from these preliminary steps other and longer strides were taken, but the movement was still in its incipiency. The hearts of the people must be reached, and through them a noble work can only be achieved.