Meantime, Edward Huntley, the husband, was at the opera, listening to, but not enjoying, the beauties Norma. It was only a month since he had led to the altar his beautiful bride, and felt himself the happiest man in the world. Before marriage, he thought only of how he should please Esther. The preference of his own wishes to hers was felt as no sacrifice. But, after the hymeneal contract had been gratified, his feelings began gradually to change. What he had yielded in kindness was virtually demanded as a right, and against this, the moment it was perceived, his spirit rose in rebellion. In several instances, he gave way to what savoured, much more than he liked, of imperiousness. Norma had just been brought out, and received with unprecedented favour. The newspapers were filled with its praises, and the beauties of the opera were spoken of by every one. A friend lauded it with more than usual enthusiasm, on the day it was advertised for a third performance. "You haven't heard it yet!" said he, with surprise, on learning that Huntley had yet to enjoy that pleasure. "No, but I think I will buy tickets for to-night." "Do by all means! And get them at once, or you will not be able to secure a seat." It was in the afternoon, and Huntley could not ask his young wife about it, unless he made a special errand home, which, as he lived some distance away from his office, would be inconvenient. Not in the least doubting, however, that Esther would be pleased to go to the opera, as she had more than once expressed a wish to see and hear Norma, he secured tickets and considered the matter settled. Now that the gratification of hearing the opera was so near at hand, Huntley kept thinking of the enjoyment he was to have, and wishing for the time to pass more rapidly. He pictured, too, the pleasure that Esther would feel and express when she found that he had procured tickets. Half an hour earlier than usual he was at home. He found Esther and her aunt, Mrs. Carlisle, with whom they were living, in the parlour. "We are going to see Norma to-night," said Huntley, in a gay voice, and with a broad smile upon his face, as he sat down beside Esther and took her hand. "_We_ are?" The tone and look with which this was said chilled the warm feelings of the young man. "_I_ am, at least," said he, in a changed voice. "And _I_ am not," as promptly, and much more decidedly, replied Esther. "Oh, yes you are." This was said with a suddenly assumed, half playful, yet earnest manner. "I have bought tickets, and we will go to-night." "The least you could have done was to have asked me before you bought tickets," returned Esther. "I wish to go somewhere else to-night." "But, as I have the tickets now, you will go, of course. To-morrow night will do as well for a visit." "I wish to make it to-night." "Esther, you are unreasonable." Huntley knit his brows and compressed his lips. "We are quite even then." The pretty lip of the bride curled.