But to my story. The young woman was really handsome, and quite well educated, though to be truthful, her education was somewhat artificial, as the most of her life had been spent in a convent school. On her father’s side of French descent; she was born of lawful wedlock, and in a happy, well-to-do, prosperous family. Cupid shot me with one of his best arrows soon after we became acquainted, and I think she was also hit with the same kind of weapon from the quiver of the famous little sportsman. There seemed to be a mutual sympathy for each other in our wounded hearts. The result was, as it generally happens in such cases, we concluded to cure each other’s wounds, by joining hands and hearts. The wedding took place at the home of the bride, with great ceremony, and a large gathering of friends, and then this Adam and his Eve returned to their garden of Eden, and all went merry as a marriage bell. It seemed as if I had now reached the acme of my desires, wealth enough, a beautiful home, a fine library, flowers in our garden, and above all—a wife. I had forgotten the story, as probably most of us have, that there was a serpent even in the garden of Eden, and I never thought that one could enter mine. I had fine horses and carriages, so we could enjoy our drives. As I have said, I subscribed liberally to all games and entertainments, so we had frequent invitations, and were well received. We also gave our little parties, which were well enjoyed. My wife was an excellent pianist, and entertained our guests with music, in which some of them took part. One of the most frequent callers was an Hon. a young officer of one of the regiments, very gentlemanly in appearance, of a high society family, well read, and one who had traveled and seen the world. He had a good ear for music, and played well, so he and my wife had something in common to interest them, with which I was well pleased. He not only often dined with us alone and with others, but before our evening drives he frequently took tea with us on our veranda, and we talked on various subjects, for he was an excellent conversationalist, full of anecdotes and incidents, which he related in a very fascinating manner. He had style, a quick appreciation of things, and what interested me was his remarks on moral and religious subjects, not connected with churches or creeds, but in their widest meaning, and frequently with me alone he spoke of the beauty of virtue and honor. He seemed to be a devoted church-goer, belonged to the High Church party, was a stickler for ecclesiastical forms, and often talked of the beauty of the services, and the value of the sacraments.