“Indeed, but I am very sure you do not trespass upon either. He is an idle, good fellow, relishes anything better than business, and you know has such a passion for painting and pictures that its indulgence seems to justify anything to his mind. He will forget everything in their pursuit.” All this was said with a studious indifference of manner. I was singularly successful in concealing the expression of that agony which was gnawing all the while upon my heart. I could smile, too, while I was speaking--while I was suffering! Look calmly into her face and smile, with a composure, a strength, the very consciousness of which was a source of terrible overthrow to me at last. I was surprised to perceive an air of chagrin upon Julia's countenance, which was certainly unstudied. She was one of those who do not well conceal or cloak their real sentiments. The faculty of doing so is usually much more strongly possessed by women than by men--much more easily commanded--but SHE had little of it. Why should she wear this expression of disappointment--chagrin! Was she really anxious that I should attend her? I began to think so--began to relent, and think of promising that I would go with her, when she somewhat abruptly laid her hand upon my arm. “Edward, you leave me too frequently. You stay from me too long, particularly at evening. Do not forget, dear husband, how few female friends I have; how few friends of any sort--how small is my social circle. Besides, it is expected of all young people, newly married, that they will be frequently together; and when it is seen that they are often separate--that the wife goes abroad alone, or goes in the company of persons not of the family, it begets a suspicion that all is not well--that there is no peace, no love, in the family so divided. Do not think, Edward, that I mean this reproachfully--that I mean complaint--that I apprehend the loss of your love: oh no! I dread too greatly any such loss to venture upon its suspicion lightly, but I would guard against the conjectures of others--” “So, then, it is not that you really wish my company. It is be-cause you would simply maintain appearances.” “I would do both, Edward. God knows I care as little for mere appearances, so long as the substances, are good, as you do; but I confess I would not have the neighbors speak of me as the neglected wife; I would not have you the subject of vulgar reproach.” “To what does all this tend?” I demanded impatiently. “To nothing, Edward, if by speaking it I make you angry.” “Do not speak it, then!” was my stern reply. “I will not; do not turn away--do not be angry:” here she sobbed once, convulsively; but with an effort of which I had not thought her capable, she stifled the painful utterance, and continued grasping my wrist as she spoke with both her hands, and speaking in a whisper--