lovely.

"My dear George," cried she, "I am so glad you are come; I have been
watching and watching for you; and running down the lane and looking out
for you. I've set out a table under a beautiful tree behind the cottage;
and I've been gathering some of the most delicious strawberries, for I
know you are so fond of them--and we have such excellent cream--and
everything is so sweet and still here.--Oh!" said she, putting her arm
within his, and looking up brightly in his face, "Oh, we shall be so
happy!"

Poor Leslie was overcome. He caught her to his bosom--he folded his arms
around her--he kissed her again and again--he could not speak for the
tears gushed into his eyes.

He has often assured me that though the world has since gone
prosperously with him, and his life has indeed been a happy one, yet
never has he experienced a moment of more exquisite felicity than the
time when I accompanied him to the little cottage in the country.

--_Washington Irving._

2021

Better a fortune in a wife, than with a wife.

2022

A GOOD WIFE.

The good wife is none of our dainty dames, who love to appear in a
variety of suits every day, new; as if a gown like a stratagem in war,
were to be used but once. But our good wife sets up a sail according to
the keel of her husband's estate; and if of high parentage, she doth not
so remember what she was by birth, that she forgets what she is
by--match.

_Fuller._

2023

Of earthly goods, the best is a good wife;
A bad, the bitterest curse of human life.

--_Simonides._

2024

HUSBAND AND WIFE.

Be joined to thy equal in rank,
Or the foot of pride will kick at thee;
Let no one have thy confidence, O wife,
Saving thy husband:
Have not a friend more intimate, O husband,
Than thy wife.

2025

WIFE.

What thou bidd'st,
Unargued, I obey; so God ordains:
God is thy law; thou mine: to know no more,
Is woman's happiest knowledge, and her praise.

--_Milton._

2026

When Sir Albert Morton died, his wife's grief was such that she shortly
followed him, and was laid by his side. Wotton's two lines on the event
have been celebrated as containing a volume in seventeen words:

"He first