from
the rest of womankind like the choice flowers of a conservatory, on whom
no rude breath must blow. The youthful, but nearly portionless, daughter
of a poor Earl seemed the very bride decreed by some good angel for the
merchant-prince.

But though the nuptials fulfilled nearly all the requirements of a
_mariage de convenance_, there was in reality very much more of the
ingredients in their hearts which amalgamate into very genuine "love,"
than always meet at the altar; though of course "the World" resolutely
refused to believe anything of the sort--the World, which is capable of
so much kindness, and goodness, and justice, among its individuals, taken
"separately and singly," and yet is such a false, malignant, many-headed
monster in its corporate body! Walter Ferrars had a warm heart, that
yearned for affection, as well as a clear head; and, fascinated as he had
been by the youthful grace and beauty, the high-bred repose of manner and
cultivated talents of the Lady Lucy, he set himself resolutely to win and
keep her girlish heart, not expecting that the man of forty was to obtain
it without an effort. Thus, when he assumed a husband's name, he did not
"drop the lover." His was still the watchful care, made up of the
thousand little thoughtful kindnesses of daily life, neither relaxed in a
_tete-a-tete_, nor increased in public. He was the pleased and ready
escort for every occasion, save only when some imperative business
claimed his time and presence; and these calls now were rare, for he had
long since arrived at the position when efficient servants and assistants
carry out the plans a superior has organized.

Is there wonder that the wife was grateful? Few--few women indeed are
insensible to the power of continued kindness; they may have a heart of
stone for the impetuous impulsive lover, but habitual tenderness-that
seems so unselfish--touches the finest chords of their nature, and
awakens affection that might have lain dormant through a long life, but
for this one sweet influence. Thus it was that the wife of five years
loved her husband with an almost adoring worship. She had felt her own
mind expand in the intimate communion with his fine intellect; she had
felt her own weaknesses grow less, as if she had absorbed some of his
strength of character; and she had recognised the very dawn of principles
and opinions which had been unknown to her in the days of her
thoughtless, ignorant, inexperienced girlhood.