ink of
Margaret. She was certainly the most eccentric being I ever saw. She,
who seemed to care for the opinion of no one,--reckless, defying, and
apparently heartless, showed more deference for Mr. Regulus, more
solicitude for his attention, than I had ever seen her manifest for
another's. Was it possible that this strange, wild girl, was attracted
by the pure, unvarnished qualities of this "great grown boy," as Dr.
Harlowe called him? It is impossible to account for the fascination
which one being exercises over another; and from the days of Desdemona
to the present hour, we seldom hear of an approaching marriage, without
hearing at the same time some one exclaim, "that it is strange,--most
passing strange."

The moment I admitted the possibility of his exercising a secret
influence over Madge, I looked upon him with new interest. He had the
intense, deep-set eye, which is said to tame the wild beasts of the
forest, and perhaps its glance had subdued the animal nature that
triumphed over her more ethereal attributes. I hoped most devoutly that
my supposition might be true; for genuine affection exalts both the
giver and receiver, and opens ten thousand avenues to joy and good.

"You do not look quite so rosy as you did in the country," said he,
looking earnestly at me. "The dissipation of a city life does not agree
with our wild-wood flowers. They need a purer atmosphere."

"Gabriella is taken very good care of," cried Madge, looking
significantly at Ernest. "She is not allowed to hurt herself by
dissipation, I assure you."

"Do you imply that she needs a restraining influence to keep her from
excess?" asked Ernest. He spoke lightly, but he never spoke without
meaning something.

"No, indeed. She is the model wife of the nineteenth century. She is
'wisest, virtuousest, discreetest, best.' Solomon must have seen her
with prophetic eye, when he wrote the last chapter of Proverbs."

"Mock praise is the severest censure, Margaret," said I.

"No such thing. I mean every word I say. Show me a young and beautiful
wife, almost bride, immuring herself as you do, and never seen in public
but clinging to her husband's arm, shrinking from admiration and
blushing at a glance, and I will show you another Solomon."

"Though you may speak in ridicule," said Ernest, with a contracted brow,
"you have awarded her the most glorious meed woman can receive. The
fashion that sanctions a wife in receiving the attentions of any
gent