of the fact that we often
love people (not necessarily of the opposite sex), not for what they
actually do for us, but for what they allow us to do for them. M.
Perrichon, in 'Le Voyage de M. Perrichon,' by Labiche, a play worthy of
Moliere, had a daughter whose hand was sought by two suitors. One saved
his life; the other, more cunning, pretended to have his life saved by
him. Perrichon prefers the latter, simply because the first reminds him
that he cannot ride, and made a fool of him, while the second one made
a hero of him by enabling him to boast that he had saved a man's life.

Now, this does not by any means show the better side of human nature.
But we are not writing a panegyric of man or woman: we are
philosophizing a bit, and seeking to speak the truth and our mind. Of
course it is possible, and I hope it is a fact, that a lofty, exalted
nature may love through gratitude; but lofty, exalted natures are the
exception.

A man may win the love of a woman by risking his own life to save hers;
but in this case it is not only gratitude that engenders love; it is an
act of heroism, and an act of heroism will always appeal to a woman. On
the other hand, a wounded soldier may fall in love with a woman who
nurses him; but in this case it is the sweet ministration of a tender
woman, nursing--that most womanly role, that of an angel--that will
appeal to man, not gratitude pure and simple.

I have known men fall in love with girls of low character, have them
educated--physically, mentally, and intellectually--and marry them,
with the most disastrous results.

Of course, when people already love, gratitude will increase their love
for the one they owe it to; what I mean to say is, that if love does
not exist, it is not gratitude that will engender it.

Love is inspired by an exaltation that makes us feel better or greater.
Gratitude, like pity, makes us look smaller; that is why gratitude does
not, and cannot, engender love.

A cynic once remarked that ingratitude was the independence of the
heart. He might have added that gratitude, by attempting to force the
heart, fails to touch it in the tender relations between man and woman.

CHAPTER XVI

DOES MARRIAGE HELP A MAN?

In social life--In commercial life--In literary and artistic
life--Matrimony is a highly respectable institution.

Does marriage help a man?

Well, if he marries a rich wife, of course it does; but, you see, money
helps whereve