"Nay, Adelaide, nay! can I think on all these, and yet not feel the thrill of transport throbbing at my heart?--quite impossible!--it could not be so, my love! Between us then let there ever exist a holy communion of soul that shall support and bear us onward throughout the trials of this stormy world, gilding the days of health and happiness, and not deserting us when years increase, and health declines; for even then the Hymenial torch shall brightly burn, although it may be with a mild, yet steady light, and only expire upon the tomb! Believe me the true and indissoluble bond of conjugal affection is no other than an unreserved and reciprocal interchange of every thought, plan, purpose, and design. Enduring, meanwhile, a contented participation of fortune, whether it be prosperous or adverse; possessing only _one will_, _one mind_, and _one heart_, thus harmoniously resembling a finely performed air of music, where three voices melodiously melt into one, and close in full and perfect diapason. Oh, my dear love, if this conjugal--this perfect harmony, were, as it ought to be, always preserved, what follies might not be avoided!--what heart-burnings would ever exist!--what horrible vice might not be shunned!--and what dread and horrid disgrace might not be prevented! When oft, my love, at evening time retired in our tranquil solitude, I shall there retrace the events and transactions of the day that has gone by, then, then, shall I tell thee of aught perchance which I may have observed in thy conduct or deportment to censure or to praise. Oh, with what delight I shall dwell upon all that I approve, while with gentleness I pass over what I may discommend. And the same sincerity, sweet love, I shall expect from thee; thou shalt, as in a tablet, set down all my faults and misdemeanors. It is thus that we shall best fulfil the holy compact which we entered into yesterday--of abiding by each other in sickness, sorrow, or in health, in adversity, or in prosperity! And now let me seal this sacred bond by this warm pressure on thy lips. Thus, my Adelaide, we ratify this deed of co-partnership!" He then added playfully, "Certes I ever have been of opinion that, although corporeally speaking, man and wife are two bodies, yet am I at the same time of opinion that they should have between them but one mind. However, I am altogether not unreasonable withal, and therefore feel not disinclined to allow them _the firm_ of TWO hearts; but I ever must protest against dissolution of partnership!" Then sweetly smiling, he said, "Here, my love, I bear in my hand despatches of high importance, and brought by a king's messenger; I needs must cut their silken tressure ere I can peruse the contents thereof; pray you therefore direct me, my dearest love, where I may find your _etui_, or work-box, as I now stand in need of a penknife, or your ladyship's shears, to cut the silky-gordian knot of this important packet?"