she was too sensible to fade away and die the victim of unrequited love, and in after years when she had thrown her whole soul into the temperance cause, and consecrated her life to the work of uplifting fallen humanity, she learned to be thankful that it was not her lot to be united to a man who stood as a barrier across the path of human progress and would have been a weight to her instead of wings.  Released from his engagement, he entered into an alliance (for that is the better name for a marriage) which was not a union of hearts, or intercommunion of kindred souls; but only an affair of convenience; in a word he married for money a woman, who was no longer young in years, nor beautiful in person, nor amiable in temper.  But she was rich, and her money like charity covered a multitude of faults, and as soon as he saw the golden bait he caught at it, and they were married, for he was willing to do almost any thing for money, except work hard for it.  It was a marriage however that brought no happiness to either party.  Mrs. Anderson was an illy educated, self willed, narrow minded [woman], full of airs and pretensions, the only daughter of a man who had laid the foundation of his wealth by keeping a low groggery, and dying had left her his only heir.  John Anderson was selfish and grasping.  He loved money, and she loved display, and their home was often the scene of the most pitiful contentions about money matters.  Harsh words and bitter recriminations were almost common household usages.  The children brought up in this unhealthy atmosphere naturally took sides with their mother and their home was literally a house divided against itself.  The foolish conduct of the mother inspired the children with disrespect for their father, who failed to support the authority of his wife as the mother and mistress of the home.  As her sons grew older they often sought attractions in questionable places, away from the sombre influences of their fireside, and the daughters as soon as they stood upon the verge of early womanhood learned to look upon marriage as an escape valve from domestic discomforts; and in that beautiful home with all its costly surroundings, and sumptuous furniture, there was always something wanting, there was always a lack of tenderness, sympathy and mutual esteem.

“I can’t afford it,” said John Anderson, to his wife who had been asking for money for a trip to a fashionable watering place.  “You will have to spend the summer elsewhere.”

“Can’t afford it!  What nonsense; is not it as much to your interest as mine to carry the girls around and give them a chance?”

“A chance for what?”

“Why to see something of the world.  You don’t know what may happen.  That English Earl was very attentive last night to Sophronia at Mrs. Jessap’s ball.”

“An English Count? who is he? and where did he spring from?”

“Why he’s from England, and is said to be the only son and heir of a very rich nobleman.”