"Initially used as a frontispiece illustration for the 1914 novel, ""The Witch,"" by Mary Johnston, Wyeth's painting presents a poignant scene of friendship and understanding between a grieving, independent woman and a generous, misunderstood doctor. Although the two hardly know each other, they have a shared understanding of and reverence for what is good. While the rest of the town searches for the devil in all things, these two choose kindness and light. Here, they take a moment to appreciate the lives they have led and the good they have done. Wyeth's illustration depicts hope and expectation of good despite the perils and sorrows of human life.
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