but for the
never-absent idea that there is one (Miss Todd) still unhappy whom I
have contributed to make so. That still kills my soul. I cannot but
reproach myself for even wishing to be happy while she is otherwise. She
accompanied a large party on the railroad cars to Jacksonville last
Monday, and at her return spoke, so I heard of it, of having 'enjoyed
the trip exceedingly.' God be praised for that."

* * * * *

"You will see by the last _Sangamon Journal_ that I made a temperance
speech on the 22d of February, which I claim that Fanny and you shall
read as an act of charity toward me; for I cannot learn that anybody has
read it or is likely to. Fortunately it is not long, and I shall deem it
a sufficient compliance with my request if one of you listens while the
other reads it."

Early the following summer Lincoln wrote for the _Sangamon Journal_ a
humorous criticism of State Auditor Shields, a vain and "touchy" little
man. This was in the form of a story and signed by "Rebecca of the Lost
Townships." The article created considerable amusement and might have
passed unnoticed by the conceited little auditor if it had not been
followed by another, less humorous, but more personal and satirical,
signed in the same way, but the second communication was written by two
mischievous (if not malicious) girls--Mary Todd and her friend, Julia
Jayne. This stinging attack made Shields wild with rage, and he demanded
the name of the writer of it. Lincoln told the editor to give Shields
_his_ name as if he had written both contributions and thus protect the
two young ladies. The auditor then challenged the lawyer to fight a
duel. Lincoln, averse to dueling, chose absurd weapons, imposed
ridiculous conditions and tried to treat the whole affair as a huge
joke. When the two came face to face, explanations became possible and
the ludicrous duel was avoided. Lincoln's conduct throughout this
humiliating affair plainly showed that, while Shields would gladly have
killed _him_, he had no intention of injuring the man who had challenged
him.

Mary Todd's heart seems to have softened toward the young man who was
willing to risk his life for her sake, and the pair, after a long and
miserable misunderstanding on both sides, were happily married on the
4th of November, 1842. Their wedding ceremony was the first ever
performed in Springfield by the use of the Episcopal ritual.

When one of the guests, bl