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264 THE HONEYMOON. 
versations were animated, and for a time were par- 
ticipated in by all. Glowing with warmth and 
animation, after a number of other topics had 
been exhausted, the ever-prolific theme of matri- 
mony was brought upon the tapis. This, in some 
respect, was perhaps peculiarly appropriate to the 
exigency of the occasion ; but, unfortunately, it 
was suffered to take a turn, the only result of 
which, if left unchecked, would be likely, in time, 
to grow into an unconquerable evil. 
This untimely interruption of the general harmo- 
ny which marked their intercouse for a few moments 
previous was caused by some of the young hus- 
bands present, who were disposed to treat the sub- 
ject in the most disagreeable light, by inveighing 
against matrimony, and by ridiculing that condi- 
tion and its vaunted pleasures, w^ien compared 
with their former " single blessedness." Some of 
the coarser minded among them went so far 
and this in the presence of their wives as to 
discourse eloquently upon the bright fields for va- 
rious achievements which would be open to them, 
and upon which they might enter, if they were un- 
married. 
" I would travel," said one. 
" I too," said another. " I would explore the 
old world, and feast upon its curiosities and its 
wonders, ere I became a settled man." 
" I would enter the lists of fame at home," said 
a third. " I would not yield to the blind impulses 
(o ) 
