"I have not been blameless, and we will exchange forgiveness," he said,
drawing her closer, till her head rested against his breast.

"It is so good in you to say that," she sobbed. "Oh, if you had been
killed, as I thought for one minute you were, I could never have had an
hour of peace or comfort in this world! Those unkind words would have
been the last I ever spoke to you; and I should never have been able to
forget them, or the sad look that your face must have worn as you turned
away. I didn't see it, for I had rudely turned my back to you; but I
could imagine it: for I knew you must have been hurt, and grieved too."

"So I was, little wife," he said tenderly, and passing his hand
caressingly over her hair and cheek: "but a few moments' honest
retrospect showed me that I was not blameless, had not been as
forbearing and affectionate in my treatment of my darling little wife,
for the past few days, as I ought to have been; and I resolved to tell
her so, on the first opportunity."

"O Ned! I don't deserve such a kind, loving husband!" she sighed; "and
you ought to have a great deal better wife."

"I am entirely satisfied with the one I have," lifting her hand to his
lips. "There isn't a woman in the world I would exchange her for."

"But I often do and say things you don't approve," she murmured, with a
regretful sigh.

"Yes; but have I not told you more than once, that I do not want a piece
of perfection for my wife, lest there should be far too strong a