At last I see the happy day approaching, the happiest day of Emile’s life and my own; I see the crown of my labours, I begin to appreciate their results.  The noble pair are united till death do part; heart and lips confirm no empty vows; they are man and wife.  When they return from the church, they follow where they are led; they know not where they are, whither they are going, or what is happening around them.  They heed nothing, they answer at random; their eyes are troubled and they see nothing.  Oh, rapture!  Oh, human weakness!  Man is overwhelmed by the feeling of happiness, he is not strong enough to bear it.

There are few people who know how to talk to the newly-married couple.  The gloomy propriety of some and the light conversation of others seem to me equally out of place.  I would rather their young hearts were left to themselves, to abandon themselves to an agitation which is not without its charm, rather than that they should be so cruelly distressed by a false modesty, or annoyed by coarse witticisms which, even if they appealed to them at other times, are surely out of place on such a day.

I behold our young people, wrapped in a pleasant languor, giving no heed to what is said.  Shall I, who desire that they should enjoy all the days of their life, shall I let them lose this precious day?  No, I desire that they shall taste its pleasures and enjoy them.  I rescue them from the foolish crowd, and walk with them in some quiet place; I recall them to themselves by speaking of them I wish to speak, not merely to their ears, but to their hearts, and I know that there is only one subject of which they can think to-day.

“My children,” say I, taking a hand of each, “it is three years since I beheld the birth of the pure and vigorous passion which is your happiness to-day.  It has gone on growing; your eyes tell me that it has reached its highest point; it must inevitably decline.”  My readers can fancy the raptures, the anger, the vows of Emile, and the scornful air with which Sophy withdraws her hand from mine; how their eyes protest that they will adore each other till their latest breath.  I let them have their way; then I continue: 

“I have often thought that if the happiness of love could continue in marriage, we should find a Paradise upon earth.  So far this has never been.  But if it were not quite impossible, you two are quite worthy to set an example you have not received, an example which few married couples could follow.  My children, shall I tell you what I think is the way, and the only way, to do it?”

They look at one another and smile at my simplicity.  Emile thanks me curtly for my prescription, saying that he thinks Sophy has a better, at any rate it is good enough for him.  Sophy agrees with him and seems just as certain.  Yet in spite of her mockery, I think I see a trace of curiosity.  I study Emile; his eager eyes are fixed upon his wife’s beauty; he has no curiosity for anything else; and he pays little heed to what I say.  It is my turn to smile, and I say to myself, “I will soon get your attention.”