“O say not so, dear Rupert—I shall be most happy here, indeed I shall—with your love and approbation how can I be otherwise—they will stimulate me to conquer many false notions, inherent from my cradle. I will not deny,” continued Anna, “for I scorn evasion, and will make a clean breast of my follies, that I have already _fancied_ the necessity of many things to render me even comfortable—you smile, Rupert, and there have been moments of _ennui_, when I have felt almost contempt for things around me—I have even given way to anger at what I at first supposed insolence in Kitty. She is, to be sure, a rough, unmannerly girl, but it is because she has never been taught better; I know she has a kind heart, and that with a little management I shall soon be able to convince her of the impropriety of many things she now does from ignorance—not willfulness.” “You must be cautious, Anna—Kitty will take umbrage at the slightest hint, and be off without a moment’s warning.” “No, I think better of her,” said Anna. “We shall see. I have been thinking,” she continued, “how much many mothers are to be blamed for not better preparing their daughters for the duties of domestic life—that sphere where a woman’s usefulness and influence are most felt. There is no denying that almost before little Miss slips her leading-strings, she is taught to regard marriage as the chief aim of her life—she is taught to sing and dance—she has drawing-masters and music-masters, French and Italian—and for what reason? Why is she kept six hours at the piano, and scarcely allowed to speak her mother tongue?—why, that she may get married! That object cared for—the _future_ is left a blank—” “Yes,” interrupted Rupert, “very much like rigging out a ship with silken sails and tinseled cordage, and then sending her forth on a long voyage without provisions!” “Exactly, Rupert. To my mind housekeeping in all its branches should be considered as much of an accomplishment in the education of young ladies, as a perfect knowledge of music or any of the fine arts! Had my parents spent one quarter the time and expense upon my acquirements as a _wife_, which they did to render me fashionable and agreeable in the fastidious eyes of _their_ world, how much better satisfied I should feel—how much more confidence that I have not imposed upon your affection by a total unfitness for the duties of a wife—indeed, my dear Rupert,” said Anna, smiling, “you ran a great risk when you fell in love with me!” We will not trace the daily walk of our heroine further, but leave it to the reader to fancy from what has already been said, how thickly the thorns mingled with the roses on her path of new married life!