Her part of the contract she faithfully fulfils, for the Singletons
also have their code of honour. Her beauty, her tact, her charm, her
influence, are devoted to his service--to the advancement of his
position, the furtherance of his ambition. Doors that would
otherwise remain closed she opens to him. Society, that would
otherwise pass by with a sneer, sits round his table. His wishes and
pleasures are hers. In all things she yields him wifely duty, seeks
to render herself agreeable to him, suffers in silence his occasional
caresses. Whatever was implied in the bargain, that she will perform
to the letter.

He, on his side, likewise performs his part with businesslike
conscientiousness--nay, seeing that the pleasing of her brings no
personal gratification to himself--not without generosity. He is
ever thoughtful of and deferential to her, awarding her at all times
an unvarying courteousness that is none the less sincere for being
studied. Her every expressed want is gratified, her every known
distaste respected. Conscious of his presence being an oppression to
her, he is even careful not to intrude it upon her oftener than is
necessary.

At times he asks himself, somewhat pertinently, what he has gained by
marriage--wonders whether this social race was quite the most
interesting game he could have elected to occupy his leisure--wonders
whether, after all, he would not have been happier over his counting-
house than in these sumptuous, glittering rooms, where he always
seems, and feels himself to be, the uninvited guest.

The only feeling that a closer intimacy has created in him for his