THE HONEYMOON. 265 
of Cupid until I had reached the highest seat in 
the council of state." 
" l^y choice," said a fourth, " were I permitted 
to recommence my career, should be the navy, in- 
stead of a wife." 
" And mine the army." 
Thus they proceeded through their lengthened 
category ; but, alas I none said they would en- 
deavor to make themselves and their wives con- 
tented and happy in their then present condition. 
All that they did say, though without apparently 
any malicious or evil intent^ broadly implied that 
their wives were burdens to which they were 
chained, and which kept them from rising. 
But there are some things too exalted to be as- 
sailed with the trifling jest ; and there are hearts 
whose chords are too exquisitely sensitive to re- 
sist the withering influence of the impious sneer, 
when coming from those they love, be the motive 
what it will. It was evident that the words which 
fell from the lips of some of the party descended 
like drops of molten lava upon the hearts of their 
young and trusting wives, rendering them incapa- 
ble of continuing their participation in the even- 
ing's enjoyments. This, though readily noticed 
by others, and particularly by Mr. and Mrs. May- 
land, was entirely overlooked or unheeded by those 
who were the cause of it. 
Painful indeed was the result to all but such as 
were its active promoters. Mr. Mayland, who had 
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