little practical knowledge of the world to contend that it
is. On the contrary, there seems a systematic endeavor, on the part,
too often, of both individuals, to disguise their real sentiments, cloak
their sincere opinions, and throw a mist over their daily principles and
habits. The gentleman usually exhibits only his Sunday exterior and
manner, aiming studiously to veil his face, in the company of his
affianced one. And instead of encouraging her to speak out her true
thoughts, and show her ordinary disposition, he burns before her the
incense of flattery, until she is constrained to force herself up to
unnatural heights of goodness, in appearance and expression, lest her
lover be compelled to lower his conception of his paragon, and at length
see her, a poor, unadorned sharer of humanity, just as she is.

Who can wonder, amid this utter want of frankness, and these pasteboard
forms, that the foundation is laid for sure disappointment and misery,
when the masks are thrown off, and the two individuals stand, a mere man
and a mere woman, before one another? Human ingenuity could not devise a
system more completely adapted to entail sorrow and suffering on our
race, than this.

It may be said that I exaggerate the case, that the parties do not
_mean_ to deceive each other, but do really feel all that they now
mutually express. In one sense this may be correct. The circumstances in
which they are placed tend, I know, to foster kind feelings, and create
courteous manners; and to the manifestation of these, all that flow
spontaneously at the moment, I do not object.

But is not more also expressed? Or rather,--for the error lies chiefly
in restraint,--is not much suppressed, that ought, in all wisdom and
ingenuousness, to be distinctly avowed? Suppose I have faults,--and who
has not?--why should they be cautiously concealed from my nearest
friend? I am, by nature, and indulgence also, peevish and ill-humored;
ought I to seek to pass for all that is opposite to this?
Contentiousness is a besetting sin of my character. Shall I strive to
appear, always and only, one of the most yielding of my sex? My temper
is violent, or sullen, why should this fact be kept from my lover, until
some outbreak after our marriage day? Ought I not to speak decidedly,
and unequivocally, of this my infirmity? I am addicted to occasional
depression of spirits and gloom; by what right, or on what principle of
religion, or expediency, shall I labor