g that the marriage was of vast importance,
for he had not passed untouched through the days of toil and trial.
Always of a meditative turn, somewhat prone to melancholy when without
companionship, and withal a sufferer from nervous headaches, there was
probably no gift of the gods equal to that of such a wife as he had been
so fortunate as to secure. Gentle yet strong in her gentleness, it was
her courage, her faith, and her smile that kept Watt steadfast. No doubt
he, like many other men blessed with an angel in the household, could
truly aver that his worrying cares vanished at the doorstep.

Watt had at last, what he never had before, a home. More than one
intimate friend has given expression to the doubt whether he could have
triumphed without Mrs. Watt's bright and cheerful temperament to keep
him from despondency during the trying years which he had now to
encounter. Says Miss Campbell:

I have not entered into any of the interesting details my mother
gave me of Mr. Watt's early and constant attachment to his
cousin Miss Miller; but she ever considered it as having added
to his enjoyment of life, and as having had the most beneficial
influence on his character. Even his powerful mind sank
occasionally into misanthropic gloom, from the pressure of
long-continued nervous headaches, and repeated disappointments
in his hopes of success in life. Mrs. Watt, from her sweetness
of temper, and lively, cheerful disposition, had power to win
him from every wayward fancy; to rouse and animate him to active
exertion. She drew out all his gentle virtues, his native
benevolence and warm affections.

From all that has been recorded of her, we are justified in classing
Watt with Bassanio.

"It is very meet
He live an upright life,
For having such a blessing in his lady,
He finds the joys of heaven here on earth;
And if on earth he do not merit it,
In reason he should never come to heaven."

Watt knew and felt this and let us hope that, as was his duty, he let
Mrs. Watt know it, not only by act, but by frequent acknowledgment.

Watt did not marry imprudently, for his instrument-making business had
increased, as was to have been expected, for his work soon made a
reputation as being most perfectly executed. At first he was able to
carry out all his orders himself; now he had as many as sixteen
workmen. He took a Mr. Craig as a partner, to obtain ne