ars: revolving about a common
centre; mutually attractive; and, unless closely viewed, presenting a
single impression.

* * *

Matrimony is sometimes a terrible iconoclast. Whether it throws down the
images of false or of true gods, depends on the religion of the
worshipper.

* * *

It would be difficult, sometimes, to determine whether constancy was an
autogenous or enforced virtue.

* * *

Never play pranks with your wife, your horse, or your razor.

* * *

There is a thing which not gold nor favor nor even love can buy. Its
true name is secret; but it is content to be called Sympathy.
Accordingly,

Let no man or woman think when he or she has won wife or husband all has
been won that is necessary. For,

If sympathy cannot be gained from one quarter, it will probably be sought
in another.

* * *

At the moment of the formation of a matrimonial syndicate of two, each
member of this as yet unincorporated joint-stock company verily believes
that each has put into the concern his whole real and personal property.
Yet it is to be feared that, although

The woman, possibly, invests her whole capital, the man--often, no
doubt, unwittingly to himself--retains not a few unmatured bonds and
debentures. That is to say,

Love, it is to be feared, is often enough a bargain in which the woman
comes off second-best. For

A woman gives herself; man accepts the gift.

Rarely, if ever, does a man give himself. He cannot. His work, his
play, his politics, his friends, his club--these are matters to him
highly important.

To a woman the only highly important things are: her husband and her
home.

* * *

A woman rules until she tries to rule,--which will be an enigma to many.

Out of a wife's obedience will grow her governance; never out of her
dominance.--Those who think this sheer nonsense, are welcome to think
so. But it is worth thinking about.

* * *

A man ought to rule his wife. Granted. But he cannot do this unless he
rules himself. The Colonel of a Regiment cannot command if he himself
breaks the King's or the State's Regulations. And

An uncontrolled wife deems her husband indifferent--or weak.
The number of husbands who, though they think they rule, yet in reality
are ruled, would astonish--not their wives, but themselves.

It is customary to call the man the head of the household; yet, between
man and wife, it is a question after all whether it is not the stronger
will and th