and
especially of one whose associations had been chiefly with the women of
frontier communities.

To meet a girl who had refined tastes and wide reading, and who was at
the same time graceful and full of humor, must have come as a pleasant
experience to Houston. He and Miss Allen saw much of each other, and
few of their friends were surprised when the word went forth that they
were engaged to be married.

The marriage occurred in January, 1829. They were surrounded with
friends of all classes and ranks, for Houston was the associate of
Jackson and was immensely popular in his own state. He seemed to have
before him a brilliant career. He had won a lovely bride to make a home
for him; so that no man seemed to have more attractive prospects. What
was there which at this time interposed in some malignant way to blight
his future?

It was a little more than a month after his marriage when he met a
friend, and, taking him out into a strip of quiet woodland, said to him:

"I have something to tell you, but you must not ask me anything about
it. My wife and I will separate before long. She will return to her
father's, while I must make my way alone."

Houston's friend seized him by the arm and gazed at him with horror.

"Governor," said he, "you're going to ruin your whole life! What reason
have you for treating this young lady in such a way? What has she done
that you should leave her? Or what have you done that she should leave
you? Every one will fall away from you."

Houston grimly replied:

"I have no explanation to give you. My wife has none to give you. She
will not complain of me, nor shall I complain of her. It is no one's
business in the world except our own. Any interference will be
impertinent, and I shall punish it with my own hand."

"But," said his friend, "think of it. The people at large will not
allow such action. They will believe that you, who have been their
idol, have descended to insult a woman. Your political career is ended.
It will not be safe for you to walk the streets!"

"What difference does it make to me?" said Houston, gloomily. "What
must be, must be. I tell you, as a friend, in advance, so that you may
be prepared; but the parting will take place very soon."

Little was heard for another month or two, and then came the
announcement that the Governor's wife had left him and had returned to
her parents' home. The news flew like wildfire, and was the theme of
every tongue. Friends