My words had no personal meaning; I never talk _at_ any one."

"Oh, certainly not! You are not aware," with a strong sneer, "of the
differences that exist between Mr. Ready and me (and which will continue
to exist, as long as mind claims a superiority over matter); that we are
only husband and wife in name. But I forgive you."

"You have nothing to forgive, Mrs. Ready," said Flora, indignantly; "I
never trouble my head with your private affairs--they cannot possibly
concern me."

This gave rise to a scene. Mrs. Ready, who lived in an element of
strife, delighted in scenes.

"Oh, no," she continued, eagerly clutching at Flora's last words, "you
are _too_ selfishly engrossed with your own happiness to have the least
sympathy for the sorrows of a friend. Ah, well!--It's early days with
you _yet_! Let a few short years of domestic care pass over your head,
and all this honey will be changed to gall. Matrimony is matrimony, and
husbands are husbands, and wives will strive to have their own way--ay,
and will fight to get it too. You will then find, Mrs. Lyndsay, that
very little of the sugar of love, and all such romantic stuff, remains
to sweeten your cup; and in the bitterness of your soul, you will think
of me."

"If this is true," said Flora, "who would marry?"

"It is true in my case."

"But fortunately there are exceptions to every rule."

"Humph!--This is another compliment, Mrs. Lyndsay, at my expense."

"Mrs. Ready, I do not wish to quarrel with you; but you seem determined
to take all my words amiss."

A long silence ensued,--Mrs. Ready smoothed down her ruffled plumes, and
said, in a pitying, patronising tone, very common to her--

"You will be disgusted with Canada: we shall see you back in less than
twelve months."

"Not very likely, if I know anything of John and myself."

"What will you do for society?"

Flora thought, solitude would be a luxury and Mrs. Ready away--and she
answered, carelessly, "We must be content with what Providence sends
us."

"Ah! but you may be miles from any habitation. No church--no schools for
the children--no markets--no medical attendant--and with your poor
health--think of that, Mrs. Lyndsay! And worse, far worse, no friends to
sympathise and condole with you, in distress and difficulty."

Now Flora was answering all these objections in her own mind; and, quite
forgetful of Mrs. Ready's presence, she unconsciously uttered her
thoughts aloud--"These may be evils,