Notwithstanding her love for children, Miss Swain did not find
teaching altogether a delight. The inattention of the children and
the daily routine made her feel irritable, she said, but she kept
steadily on, hoping in time to carry out a purpose which she had
in mind of some day becoming a doctor. When an opportunity offered
for her to take a position in the Castile Sanitarium under Dr.
Cordelia A. Greene, she gladly gave up teaching and entered upon a
course of training which, though sometimes irksome, proved more
congenial than her former occupation.
All the way along, her strong will had availed to overcome
obstacles, and here, during many weary hours, she comforted
herself with the thought that she was nearing the goal of her
ambition. She could not have had a more satisfactory opportunity
for the training that she needed; for though Dr. Greene exacted
thoroughness in every line of work, she was so sympathetic and so
ready to give a word of commendation and encouragement, that her
pupil could not do otherwise than accede to all the requirements
of her position. It was not long before doctor and pupil became
fast friends and the congenial companionship was a life-long
pleasure to both. "I owe much to Dr. Cordelia," she said many
times in after life.