shing
love-letter, or we would not profane this sacred subject by making the
attempt; yet should like to receive one in spirit somewhat as follows:

"DEAR SIR: Your proffer of your hand and heart in marriage
has been duly received, and its important contents fully
considered.

"I accept your offer: and on its only condition, that I
_reciprocate your love_, which I do completely; and hereby
both offer my own hand and heart in return, and consecrate
my entire being, soul and body, all I am and can become, to
you alone; both according you the 'privilege' you crave of
loving me, and 'craving' a like one in return.

"Thank Heaven that this matter is settled; that you are in
very deed mine, while I am yours, to love and be loved by,
live and be lived with and for; and that my gushing
affections have a final resting-place on one every way so
worthy of the fullest reciprocal sympathy and trust.

"The preliminaries of our marriage we will arrange whenever
we meet, which I hope may be soon. But whether sooner or
later, or you are present or absent, I now consider myself
as wholly yours, and you all mine; and both give and take
the fullest privilege of cherishing and expressing for you
that whole-souled love I find even now gushing up and
calling for expression. Fondly hoping to hear from and see
you soon and often, I remain wholly yours forever,

"C.D."

Sealing the Vow.

The vow and its tangible witnesses come next. All agreements require
to be attested; and this as much more than others as it is the most
obligatory. Both need its unequivocal and mutual mementos, to be
cherished for all time to come as its perpetual witnesses. This vow of
each to the other can neither be made too strong, nor held too sacred.
If calling God to witness will strengthen your mutual adjuration,
swear by Him and His throne, or by whatever else will render it
inviolable, and commit it to writing, each transcribing a copy for the
other as your most sacred relics, to be enshrined in your "holy of
holies."

Two witnesses are required, one for each. A ring for her and locket
for him, containing the likeness of both, as always showing how they
now look, or any keepsake both may select, more or less valuable, to
be handed down to their posterity, will answer.

Your mode of conducting your future affairs should now be arranged.
Th