e expressed himself fearful of rubbing the silver off
my wings by bringing me into contact with society, especially that of
Paris and Rome; and, more-over, he did not scruple to tell me that there
were ladies in both places that would tear his eyes out if they happened
to meet him with me.

Of course I was vexed at all this; but still it was less the
disappointment to myself that annoyed me, than the disappointment in him,
and the trouble I was at to frame excuses to my friends for having seen
and observed so little, without imputing one particle of blame to my
companion. But when we got home--to my new, delightful home--I was so
happy and he was so kind that I freely forgave him all; and I was
beginning to think my lot too happy, and my husband actually too good for
me, if not too good for this world, when, on the second Sunday after our
arrival, he shocked and horrified me by another instance of his
unreasonable exaction. We were walking home from the morning service,
for it was a fine frosty day, and as we are so near the church, I had
requested the carriage should not be used.

'Helen,' said he, with unusual gravity, 'I am not quite satisfied with
you.'

I desired to know what was wrong.

'But will you promise to reform if I tell you?'

'Yes, if I can, and without offending a higher authority.'

'Ah! there it is, you see: you don't love me with all your heart.'

'I don't understand you, Arthur (at least I hope I don't): pray tell me
what I have done or said amiss.'

'It is nothing you have done or said; it is something that you are--you
are too religious. Now I like a woman to be religious, and I think your
piety one of your greatest charms; but then, like all other good things,
it may be carried too far. To my thinking, a woman's religion ought not
to lessen her devotion to her earthly lord. She should have enough to
purify and etherealise her soul, but not enough to refine away her heart,
and raise her above all human sympathies.'

'And am I above all human sympathies?' said I.

'No, darling; but you are making more progress towards that saintly
condition than I like; for all these two hours I have been thinking of
you and wanting to catch your eye, and you were so absorbed in your
devotions that you had not even a glance to spare for me--I declare it is
enough to make one jealous of one's Maker--which is very wrong, you know;
so don't excite such wicked passions again, for my soul's sake.'

'I w