our mutual position might give rise to our relations with others. I am
neither whimsical nor prudish, and should be sorry to get that
reputation; but I feel sure that I can trust to your honor when I ask
you to keep up the outward appearance of wedded life."

Never, dear, have I seen a man so happy as my proposal made Louis. The
blaze of joy which kindled in his eyes dried up the tears.

"Do not fancy," I concluded, "that I ask this from any wish to be
eccentric. It is the great desire I have for your respect which
prompts my request. If you owe the crown of your love merely to the
legal and religious ceremony, what gratitude could you feel to me
later for a gift in which my goodwill counted for nothing? If during
the time that I remained indifferent to you (yielding only a passive
obedience, such as my mother has just been urging on me) a child were
born to us, do you suppose that I could feel towards it as I would
towards one born of our common love? A passionate love may not be
necessary in marriage, but, at least, you will admit that there should
be no repugnance. Our position will not be without its dangers; in a
country life, such as ours will be, ought we not to bear in mind the
evanescent nature of passion? Is it not simple prudence to make
provision beforehand against the calamities incident to change of
feeling?"

He was greatly astonished to find me at once so reasonable and so apt
at reasoning; but he made me a solemn promise, after which I took his
hand and pressed it affectionately.

We were married at the end of the week. Secure of my freedom, I was
able to throw myself gaily into the petty details which always