expected in my marriage with you, my Stella, the full measure of what your love has realized. Look back awhile," he added, earnestly, "to the day of our wedding, when we thought our love so perfect and complete, and compare that day with this. Don't you feel the difference?"
"Deeply,—thoroughly," said Stella. "The untested, ideal life was very weak beside the proved and realized one. Oh, how I wish the sad and disappointed people in the world, who have married for ambition or money or worldly position, could in some way be got to understand what marriage in its true essence and on its true basis is! How changed the face of creation would be!"
On and on they talked of this and kindred subjects, with a zest that never wearied, for these things were the very passions of their hearts; but into the deep communings of those fervid souls we will not venture to intrude. Better to leave them so, faithful and good and happy, a blessing to each other and to all who come within the range of their influence, living out their tranquil lives together in the haven under the hill.
THE END.
