Surround yourself with nobler interests than
the wretched interests of the world. A heart that loves and honours you;
a home whose peaceful claims and happy duties win gently on you day by
day--try the consolation, Rachel, which is to be found THERE! I don't
ask for your love--I will be content with your affection and regard. Let
the rest be left, confidently left, to your husband's devotion, and to
Time that heals even wounds as deep as yours."
She began to yield already. Oh, what a bringing-up she must have had!
Oh, how differently I should have acted in her place!
"Don't tempt me, Godfrey," she said; "I am wretched enough and reckless
enough as it is. Don't tempt me to be more wretched and more wreckless
still!"
"One question, Rachel. Have you any personal objection to me?"
"I! I always liked you. After what you have just said to me, I should be
insensible indeed if I didn't respect and admire you as well."
"Do you know many wives, my dear Rachel, who respect and admire their
husbands? And yet they and their husbands get on very well. How many
brides go to the altar with hearts that would bear inspection by the men
who take them there? And yet it doesn't end unhappily--somehow or other
the nuptial establishment jogs on.
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