times, and before she was married.

Mr. B. Indeed, my love, that is a very just observation.

Mrs. B. I understand that compliment perfectly, and thank you for it, my
dear. I must own I can bear anything better than irony.

Mr. B. Irony? my dear, I was perfectly in earnest.

Mrs. B. Yes, yes; in earnest; so I perceive; I may naturally be dull of
apprehension, but my feelings are quick enough; I comprehend too well.
Yes, it is impossible to judge of a woman before marriage, or to guess
what sort of a wife she will make. I presume you speak from experience;
you have been disappointed yourself, and repent your choice.

Mr. B. My dear, what did I say that was like this? Upon my word, I meant
no such thing. I really was not thinking of you in the least.

Mrs. B. No, you never think of me now. I can easily believe that you were
not thinking of me in the least.

Mr. B. But I said that only to prove to you that I could not be thinking
ill of you, my dear.

Mrs. B. But I would rather that you thought ill of me than that you should
not think of me at all.

Mr. B. Well, my dear, I will even think ill of you if that will please
you.

Mrs. B. Do you laugh at me? When it comes to this I am wretched indeed.
Never man laughed at the woman he loved. As long as you had the slightest
remains of love for me you could not make me an object of derision;
ridicule and love are incompatible, absolutely incompatible. Well, I have
done my best, my very best, to make you happy, but in vain. I see I am not
cut out to be a good wife. Happy, happy Mrs. Granby!

Mr. B. Happy, I hope sincerely, that she will be with my friend; but my
happiness must depend on you, my love; so, for my sake, if not for your
own, be composed, and do not torment yourself with such fancies.

Mrs. B. I do wonder whether this Mrs. Granby is really that Miss Emma
Cooke. I'll go and see her directly; see her I must.

Mr. B. I am heartily glad of it, my dear; for I am sure a visit to his
wife will give my friend Granby real pleasure.

Mrs. B. I promise you, my dear, I do not go to give him pleasure, or you
either, but to satisfy my own curiosity.

DEFINITIONS.--I'ron-y, language intended to convey a meaning contrary to
its literal signification. De-ri'sion, the act of laughing at in contempt.
In-com-pat'i-ble, that can not exist together.

LXXXIX. THE RAINY DAY.

1. The day is cold, and dark, and dreary;
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
The