Well, in the course of human events, there comes a time when he is
frightened to death, then greatly relieved and for a few weeks becomes
as proud as if he had actually provided the last census of the United
States with most of the material contained in it. A few months later,
when the feeble whines and howls have found increased vigor of utterance
and more frequency of expression; when they don't know whether Master
Jack or Miss Jill has merely a howling spell or is threatened with fatal
convulsions; when they don't know whether they want a dog-muzzle or a
doctor; when Mr. Youngwed has lost his sleep and his temper, together,
and has displayed himself with spectacular effect as a brute, selfish,
irritable, helpless, resourceless and conquered--then--then, my dear
madame, you have doubtless observed him decrease in self-estimated size
like a balloon into which a pin has been introduced, until he looks, in
fact, like Master Frog reduced in bulk from the bull-size, to which he
aspired, to his original degree.

At that time Mrs. Youngwed is very busy with little Jack or Jill, as the
case may be. Her husband's conduct she probably regards with resignation
as the first heavy burden of the cross she is expected to bear. She does
not reproach him, it is useless; she has perhaps suspected that his
assumed superiority would not stand the real strain. But, he is the
father of the dear baby and, for that precious darling's sake, she will
be patient. I wonder if she feels that way? She has every right to, and,
for one, I say that I'll be hanged if I find any fault with her if she
does. That is the way she must keep human, and so balance the little
open accounts that married folks ought to run between themselves for
the purpose of keeping cobwebs and mildew off, or rather of maintaining
their lives as a running stream instead of a stagnant pond. A little
good talking back now and then is good for wives and married men.
Don't be afraid, Mrs. Youngwed; and when the very worst has come, why