to be refitted, and the Newport
precedent established.

Now, dear friends, don't think Lillie a pirate, or a conspirator, or
a wolf-in-sheep's-clothing, or any thing else but what she was,--a
pretty little, selfish woman; undeveloped in her conscience and
affections, and strong in her instincts and perceptions; in a blind
way using what means were most in her line to carry her purposes.
Lillie had always found her prettiness, her littleness, her
helplessness, and her tears so very useful in carrying her points in
life that she resorted to them as her lawful stock in trade. Neither
were her blues entirely shamming. There comes a time after marriage,
when a husband, if he be any thing of a man, has something else to do
than make direct love to his wife. He cannot be on duty at all hours
to fan her, and shawl her, and admire her. His love must express
itself through other channels. He must be a full man for her sake;
and, as a man, must go forth to a whole world of interests that takes
him from her. Now what in this case shall a woman do, whose only life
lies in petting and adoration and display?

Springdale had no _beau monde_, no fashionable circle, no Bois de
Boulogne, and no beaux, to make amends for a husband's engrossments.
Grace was sisterly and kind; but what on earth had they in common
to talk about? Lillie's wardrobe was in all the freshness of bridal
exuberance, and there was nothing more to be got, and so, for the
moment, no stimulus in this line. But then where to wear all these
fine French dresses? Lillie had been called on, and invited once
to little social evening parties, through the whole round of old,
respectable families that lived under the elm-arches of Springdale;
and she had found it rather stupid. There was not a man to make an
admirer of, except the young minister, who, after the first afternoon
of seeing her, returned to his devotion to Rose Ferguson.

You know, ladies, Aesop has a pretty little fable as follows: A young
man fell desperately in love with a cat, and prayed to Jupiter to
change her to a woman for his sake. Jupiter was so obliging as to
grant his prayer; and, behold, a soft, satin-skinned, purring,
graceful woman was given into his arms.

But the legend goes on to say that, while he was delighting in her
charms, she heard the sound of _mice_ behind the wainscot, and left
him forthwith to rush after her congenial prey.

Lillie had heard afar the sound of _mice_ at Newport, and