ictures are
exaggerated is more than possible. But it is not possible that it should
be destitute of a broad and deep foundation of melancholy reality.

What now is the remedy which this physician would prescribe for the
disease he has thus exposed? His words on this subject are well
deserving of attention.

"Marriage gives the husband a single and momentary opportunity to
become in reality the master of his wife, to withdraw her from the
influence of another, and make her his own for ever. Does he profit
by it? very rarely. He ought, in the very beginning, when he has
much influence over her, to let her participate in the activity of
his mind, his business, and ideas, initiate her in his projects,
and create an activity in her by means of his own.

"To wish and think as he does, both acting with him and suffering
with him--this is marriage. The worst that may happen is not that
she may suffer, but that she may languish and pine away, living
apart, and like a widow. How can we wonder, then, if her affection
for him be lessened? Ah, if, in the beginning, he made her his own,
by making her share his ambition, troubles, and uneasiness:--if
they had watched whole nights together, and been troubled with the
same thoughts, he would have retained her affections. Attachment
may be strengthened by grief itself; and mutual sufferings may
maintain mutual love.

* * * * *

"Unfortunately, this is not the way of the world. I have sought
every where, but in vain, for this fine exchange of thought, which
alone realizes marriage. They certainly try for a moment, in the
beginning, to communicate together, but they are soon discouraged;
the husband grows dumb, his heart, dried up with the arid influence
of interests and business, can no longer find words. At first she
is astonished and uneasy: she questions him. But questions annoy
him, and she no longer dares to speak to him. Let him be easy; the
time is coming when his wife, sitting thoughtful by the fireside,
absent in her turn, and framing her imaginary plans, will leave him
in quiet possession of his taciturnity.

* * * * *

"Let us not accuse the Jesuits, who carry on their jesuitical
trade, nor the priests, who are dangerous, restless, and violent,
only because they are unhappy.

"No,