"Now, Valerie, could there be a prettier speech, or one so apparently sincere, from a newly-married man to his bride, and yet recollect what he said to his friend not a quarter of an hour before, about having my parents in his power by the marriage not being legal? I really am inclined to believe that we have two souls, a good and an evil one, continually striving for the mastery; one for this world, and the other for the next, and that the evil one will permit the good one to have its influence, provided that at the same time it has its own or an equal share in the direction of us. For instance, I believe the colonel was sincere in what he said, and really does love me, supposing me to be Caroline Stanhope, with the mundane advantages to be gained by the marriage, and that these better feelings of humanity are allowed to be exercised, and not interfered with by the adverse party, who is satisfied with its own Mammon share. But the struggle is to come when the evil spirit finds itself defrauded of its portion, and then attempts to destroy the influence of the good. He does love me now, and would have continued to love me, if disappointment will not tear up his still slightly-rooted affections. Now comes my task to cherish and protect it, till it has taken firm root, and all that woman can do shall be done. I felt that all that I required was time. "`Where are we going?' said I. "`About twenty miles from London,' replied my husband, `after which, that is to-morrow, you shall decide upon our future plans.' "`I care not where,' replied I, `with you place is indifferent, only do not refuse me the first favour that I request of you.' "`Depend upon it I will not,' replied he. "`It is this, dearest, take me where you will, but let it be three months before we return or come near London. You must feel my reason for making this request.' "`I grant it with pleasure,' replied he, `for three months I am yours, and yours only. We will live for one another.' "`Yes, and never let us mention any thing about future prospects, but devote the three months to each other.' "`I understand you,' replied the colonel, `and I promise you it shall be so. I will have no correspondence even--there shall be nothing to annoy you or vex you in any way.' "`For three months,' said I, extending my hand. "`Agreed,' said he, `and to tell you the truth, it would have been my own feeling, had it not been yours. When you strike iron, you should do it when it is hot, but when you have to handle it, you had better wait till it is cool; you understand me, and now the subject is dropped.'