t seemed as if my heart were
breaking with the excess of wild happiness which rushed like a flood
upon it. How could you love me? what was there in me to create such an
emotion?"

Allan Loring thought that the wife was far more beautiful than the
maiden, as she stood encircled by his arms, gazing with deep
earnestness, as if she would read his very soul.

"I cannot tell you all there is in you to love and admire," said he,
tenderly, "and, indeed, my little wife would blush too deeply at a
recital of her own merits and graces. But this I now recall, that the
first emotion of deep interest which I felt for you, arose as I
listened to your brother's recital of your wonderful self-denial, and
persevering effort for his sake. I saw, young as you were, the germ of
a high and noble nature, best developed, believe me, in the rough and
untoward circumstances by which you were surrounded. I wrote to you at
first, thinking, perhaps, to aid you in the struggle for knowledge and
truth; and as your mind and heart were laid open before me, how could
I help loving the guileless sincerity which every act exhibited.

I knew that the good sister, the affectionate child, could but make a
true and gentle wife. So I thought myself fortunate, beyond my own
hopes even, when I found you could grant me the only boon I asked, a
deep and steadfast affection."

What heart is there that would not have been satisfied with such
praise; and who, witnessing the calm spirit of content which animated
both the husband and the wife, could have prophesied evil as the
result of such a union.

We might follow our heroine still farther--might show her to you as
the companion and assistant in her husband's labors of love, as he
fulfilled the high mission to which he had been appointed--as the
mother, training her little ones to usefulness and honor. But we will
leave her now, assured that whatever storms may cloud the unshadowed
morn of her wedded life--and all know that in this existence no home,
however lofty or lowly, is exempt from suffering and trial--she bore a
talisman to pass through all unscathed--strength, gained by patient
endurance, and the knowledge of duties rightly performed.

It may be, dear lady--you who are now glancing idly over these
pages--that you are surrounded by every luxury wealth can command. You
are lounging, perhaps, upon a softly cushioned divan, with tiny,
slippered feet half buried in the glowing carpet. There are brilliant