and, when forced by a doting mother into a confession of his troubles, he inveighs against his wife. Soothing words and good advice may send them back in better temper, to renew vows of love and promises of better things for the future, but, alas! only a few weeks. — often a few days, — and again each takes the path to the parental home. This time the fault is unpardonable. Affectionate words from a loving and frightened mother, good warnings from a sensi- ble father, fail to soothe. A restlessness takes possession of the young people, which is prognostic of heavier storms. The clouds gather fast. An opportunity, and a blast of passion is in them. All the warnings and loving words are forgotten; hot thoughts are exchanged, an intense look is given to one another, and the discovery is made,— they are strangers. The wife's parents recognize no more the seraph that only chanted notes of innocence within their ears. The husband's parents do not recognize the dutiful, amenable son. Each was good when they were separate: both are bad now that they are united. Is this a difficult problem to solve? No. Had each found a mate homo- geneous in temperament and in education (or, in other words, congenial), the union would have been perfect; but this important principle was neglected, the centripetal moral force was wanting, and there they are, asunder: one not comprehending the other; both appearing what they are not, — selfish and ill-intentioned.
HASTY MARRIAGES.
Marriage brought about by a love inspired in the ball- room, in the shady paths of summer retreats, where life's duties and personal requirements are not discussed, or al- lowed to trespass, should be looked upon with distrust. The ardor of youth, selfish in its intent, will not allow the
