when the woman is above thirty, in the full possession of
her glorious womanly charms, when both are sure of each other and tried
friends.

Then, and then only, they can allow themselves to be lovers in the full
meaning of the word. They will be able to enjoy that great bliss if
they have not made the mistake of trying too soon.

The epicure, like the diplomatist, is the one who knows how to wait.

In matrimony it is not 'All is well that ends well': it is All is well
that begins well, and not too well.

* * * * *

Don't read at mealtime in the presence of your wife, not even the
newspaper at breakfast. Converse with her pleasantly; it will help to
make her cheerful for the day; it will also help your digestion. The
market may have gone down, and the reading of your newspaper may spoil
your appetite.

If at night your room is lighted by the means of one lamp only, don't
bring that lamp just behind you in order to read your paper
comfortably. See that your wife is not compelled to do her needlework
in the dark. You do not perhaps realize that women are not all cats and
cannot all of them see in darkness.

Let your wife show and prove she loves you, but never let her tell it
you. On the contrary, tell her all day long, if you choose. She will
never tire of hearing you telling her; she will spend her life
listening to you telling her.

If your wife loses her temper, keep cool as a cucumber and enjoy the
scene. The effect will be marvellous and instantaneous.

If you are of a jealous disposition, take all the precautions in the
world that your wife may not see it, for it will make her so proud that
she may give you serious reasons for indulging in it. If you are
suspicious, be a diplomatist and hide it from her; for if she does not
deserve your suspicions, she will naturally resent it, and if she does,
it will only make a hypocrite of her.

Quarrel with your wife, but never bore her. Never fidget, never fuss,
and never sulk. If she is late keeping an appointment, don't scold,
don't make yourself unpleasant. Tell her it's much better to have her
late than not at all. Next time go without her. The cure is infallible.

If she is late coming down, take it for granted that she is trying to
look her best for you. Feel flattered and show your gratitude. Remember
that the modern _coming_ woman is the one who says she will be ready in
ten minutes. Laugh at it, make fun of it, cr