Page:The Clergyman's Wife.djvu/319

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Congeniality.
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Thus, when the attributes, lacking in one spiritual conformation, are supplied by the abundance of another, a harmonious whole and perfect congeniality is the result.

But, proportionate to the happiness communicated by the satisfied sense of congeniality, is the danger with which its flattering counterfeit menaces. The mind whose thoughts we imagine to be in unison with ours, the heart that we believe is vibrating to our own with a quick comprehension of our aspirations, our disappointments, our griefs, our joys, has the power to obtain a fatal command over our judgment and volition.

Willis was not far from the truth in declaring that a woman is always in danger when she feels herself "comprehended." Certain it is that the false and scheming gain their surest foothold in her confidence by successfully simulated congeniality, and the persuasive appearance of understanding the movement of that inner life to which no common eyes can penetrate. Sympathy is the talismanic watch-word by which they pass the sentinels of Reason and enter the unguarded citadel of her affections.

To discover and touch with magical dexterity those delicate, invisible, sympathetic chords, is the secret of public power. Through them the multitude is fired, swayed, subdued; through them the crowd reacts upon the master mind by which it is kindled and controlled, and invests that mind with

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