But this strong, fine man told me that this low habit of speech
delayed his progress constantly. A few years ago, in a great crisis in
his life, he was suddenly able to break the spell, and I think he is
now prouder of his clean words and that mastery of himself which their
use indicates than he is of any single success he has achieved or of
any single honor he has won.
But the newspaper correspondent said the truest thing of all when he
suggested that the really capable and apparently successful lawyer and
politician, observed in the passing throng, had made a mistake in not
having had the influence of woman in his life. There is positively
nothing of such value to young men--yes, and to old men, too--as the
chastening and powerful influence for good which women bring into
their lives.
This is the universal opinion, too. All literature voices it. Wilhelm
Meister and The Old Cattleman alike declare it. "There is no doubt
about it," exclaims the sage of Wolfville, "woman is a refinin', an
ennoblin' influence. * * * She subdooes the reckless, subjoogates the
rebellious, sobers the friv'lous, burns the ground from onder the
indolent moccasins of that male she's roped up in holy wedlock's bonds
an' pints the way to a higher and happier life.
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