sanction. Every witchery of imagination, of passion, of reluctance
overcome, of the ideal passing into reality, played its part.

Yet, in spite of all this enchantment, I once more stood out for my
complete independence. I can't tell you all my reasons for this. To
you alone shall I confide even as much as this. I believe that women,
whether passionately loved or not, lose much in their relation with
their husbands by not concealing their feelings about marriage and the
way they look at it.

My one joy, and it is supreme, springs from the certainty of having
brought new life to my husband before I have borne him any children.
Louis has regained his youth, strength, and spirits. He is not the
same man. With magic touch I have effaced the very memory of his
sufferings. It is a complete metamorphosis. Louis is really very
attractive now. Feeling sure of my affection, he throws off his
reserve and displays unsuspected gifts.

To be the unceasing spring of happiness for a man who knows it and
adds gratitude to love, ah! dear one, this is a conviction which
fortifies the soul, even more than the most passionate love can do.
The force thus developed--at once impetuous and enduring, simple and
diversified--brings forth ultimately the family, that noble product of
womanhood, which I realize now in all its animating beauty.

The old father has ceased to be a miser. He gives blindly whatever I
wish for. The servants are content; it seems as though the bliss of
Louis had let a flood of sunshine into the household, where love has
made me queen. Even the old man would not be a blot upon my pretty
home, and has brought himself into line with all my improvements; to