and he let
me know it. He got among them kitchen sluts, which was my mournin' ready
made, and worse than a widow's cap to me, which is no shame to wear, and
some say becoming. There's no man as ever lived known better than my
Berry how to show his legs to advantage, and gals look at 'em. I don't
wonder now that Berry was prostrated. His temptations was strong, and his
flesh was weak. Then what I say is, that for a young married man--be he
whomsoever he may be--to be separated from the wife of his bosom--a young
sweet thing, and he an innocent young gentleman!--so to sunder, in their
state, and be kep' from each other, I say it's as bad as bad can be! For
what is matrimony, my dears? We're told it's a holy Ordnance. And why are
ye so comfortable in matrimony? For that ye are not a sinnin'! And they
that severs ye they tempts ye to stray: and you learn too late the
meanin' o' them blessin's of the priest--as it was ordained.
Separate--what comes? Fust it's like the circulation of your blood
a-stoppin'--all goes wrong. Then there's misunderstandings--ye've both
lost the key. Then, behold ye, there's birds o' prey hoverin' over each
on ye, and it's which'll be snapped up fust. Then--Oh, dear! Oh, dear! it
be like the devil come into the world again." Mrs. Berry struck her hands
and moaned. "A day I'll give ye: I'll go so far as a week: but there's
the outside. Three months dwellin' apart! That's not matrimony, it's
divorcin'! what can it be to her but widowhood? widowhood with no cap to
show for it! And what can it be to you, my dear? Think! you been a
bachelor three months! and a bachelor man," Mrs. Berry shook her head
most dolefully, "he ain't widow woman. I don't go to compare you to
Berry, my dear young gentleman. Some men's hearts is vagabonds born--they
must go astray--it's their natur' to. But all men are men, and I know the
foundation of 'em, by reason of my woe."

Mrs. Berry paused. Richard was humorously respectful to the sermon. The
truth in the good creature's address was not to be disputed, or despised,
notwithstanding the inclination to laugh provoked by her quaint way of
putting it. Ripton nodded encouragingly at every sentence, for he saw her
drift, and wished to second it.

Seeking for an illustration of her meaning, Mrs. Berry solemnly
continued: "We all know what checked prespiration is." But neither of the
young gentlemen could resist this. Out they burst in a roar of laughter.

"Laugh away," said Mr