Mrs.Wayland had become satisfied with that phase of life in her youth.

Her husband was a reader, a student, and something of a naturalist.

The domestic habits which had been formed while Mrs.
Wayland was an invalid still clung to them.

While never ceasing to be kind neighbors, they were more than content with books, nature, and each other.

Madge therefore had access to a very fine library, and the companionship of intellectual people who had known from contact the present world, and in whose cultivated minds dwelt the experiences of the past.