ideal, even with all these fine
surroundings, and such a good husband."

"Do you think that is strange?" asked Penloe.

"Well," said Mrs. Herne, "that is what I don't know; it is a query with
me, whether any one realizes her ideal in marriage; what do you think
about the matter, Penloe?"

"Well, I think there are quite a number who realize their ideal in
marriage," replied Penloe.

Mrs. Herne said: "Please, Penloe, describe those kind of marriages to
me, for I am interested; it being a matter I have thought a great deal
about."

"Certainly," said Penloe, "but which is it you wish me to describe: What
is an ideal marriage? or what are the ideals of those who get married,
and who realize them?"

"It is the first I am most interested in now, Penloe," said Mrs. Herne,
"because I know that is your ideal, and therefore, would be the correct
one to aim for, but Penloe, while I hope you will tell me that, yet, I
ask you as a trusted friend, can you tell me why I have not realized my
ideal?" said Mrs. Herne.

"I can when you tell me what your ideal is like," said Penloe.

"I am afraid you will laugh when I tell you for I know it is so
different from yours," replied Mrs. Herne.

"One need never fear a true friend," said Penloe. "To a true friend, if
it is necessary, one can speak of his ignorance or weaknesses, and it
may be a great help to him, because a true friend has only one motive in
friendship, and that is to lift the other up to a higher plane of
thought; I mean that is the highest kind of friendship, and is a good
test with which to gauge friendship."

Mrs. Herne was very much impressed with Penloe's idea of friendship; so
high and pure.

Mrs. Herne said: "Penloe, you are so near and dear to me as a friend,
that I don't fear to tell you anything, and to show my confidence in
your friendship, I am going to reveal to you something, that I have
never thought it best to tell my husband."

"Your confidence shall never be betrayed by me," said Penloe.

"Thank you, Penloe," said Mrs. Herne. "Now, let me tell you what it is.
Previous to my marriage to Charles Herne there was something in addition
to his true worth and genuine character that attracted me to him;
something about his personality, for I always felt a thrill of joy when
with him; even if I only heard the sound of his coming footsteps, or he
happened to touch my dress, there was a sensation of pleasure; and when
he took my hand, and pressed it and ki