watching the appropriate moment for retreat. To convince without irritating, is one of the most difficult as well as most desirable points of argument. Perhaps this may not be in your power: at all events, make the attempt; first praying to God for direction, and then leaving to Him the result.

Or, gentle reader, you may perhaps be united to a man of a most uncongenial mind, who, though a very good sort of husband, differs from you in every sentiment. What of this?—You must only make the best of it. Look around. Numbers have the same, and infinitely worse complaints to make; and, truly, when we consider what real misery there is in the world, it seems the height of folly fastidiously and foolishly to refine away our happiness, by allowing such worthless trifles to interfere with our comfort.

There are very few husbands so bad as to be destitute of good qualities, and probably very decided ones. Let the wife search out and accustom herself to dwell on those good qualities, and let her treat her own errors, not her husband's, with severity. I have seldom known a dispute between man and wife in which faults on both sides were not conspi

cuous and really it is no wonder; for we are so quick sighted to the imperfections of others, so blind and lenient to our own, that in case of discord and contention, we throw all the blame on the opposite party, and never think of accusing ourselves. In general, at least, this is the case.

I was lately acquainted with a lady, whose manner to her husband often attracted my admiration. Without appearing to do so, she would contrive to lead to those subjects in which he appeared to most advantage. Whenever he spoke, she seemed to listen as if what he was saying was worth attending to. And if at any time she differed from him in opinion, it was done so gently as scarcely to be perceived even by himself. She was quite as well informed (perhaps more so) and as sensible as himself, and yet she always appeared to think him superior in every point. On all occasions she would refer to him, asking his opinion, and appearing to receive information at the very moment perhaps she was herself imparting it. The consequence was, there never was a happier couple, and I am certain he thought her the most superior woman in the world.

I repeat, it is amazing how trifles—the

most insignificant trifles-even a word, even a look, yes, truly, a look, a glance-completely possess the power, at times, of either pleasing or displeasing. Let this sink deep in your mind: remember, that to endeavour to keep your husband in constant good humour is one of the first duties of a wife.

Perhaps, on some occasion or other, in the frolic of the moment, with the gaiety of inconsiderate mirth, without in the least degree intending to annoy you, your husband may toy, and laugh, and flirt, while in company, with some pretty girl present. This sometimes makes a wife look foolish; and it would be as well, nay much better, if he did not do so. But let not a shade of ill humour cross your brow, nor even by a glance give him, or any one present, reason to think his behaviour annoys you. Join in the laugh

and chat, and be not outdone in cheerfulness and good humour by any of the party. But remember, there must be no acting in this affair: the effort must extend to your mind as well as your manner; and a moment's reasoning on the subject will at once restore the banished sunshine. The incomparable Leighton says, "The human heart is like a reservoir of clear water, at the bottom of

which lies a portion of mud: stir the mud, and the water gets all sullied. In like manner, does some strong passion or peevish feeling rise in the heart, and stain and darken it as the mud does the water." But should there be a prospect of your husband often meeting with this lady in question, and his free manners being observed to his discredit, endeavour at once to break off the intimacy by bringing forward some pretext consistent with truth, (for to truth every thing must be sacrificed,) such as diverting his attention, if possible, varying his society, and calling up other pursuits and thoughts. Never, however, avow the real reason: it will only produce discord, and make your husband think you prone to jealousy-a suspicion and character a woman cannot too carefully guard against. And there is often in men an obstinacy which refuses to be conquered of all beings in the world by a wife.-A jealous wife (such is the erroneous opinion of the ill-judging world) is generally considered a proper subject for ridicule; and a woman ought assiduously to conceal from her husband, more than from any one else, any feeling of the kind. Besides, after all, gentle lady, your suspicions may be totally groundless; and

you may possibly be tormenting yourself with a whole train of imaginary evils. As you value your peace then, keep from you, if possible, all such vexatious apprehensions, and remember, a man can very ill bear the idea of being suspected of inconstancy even when guilty; but when innocent, it is intolerable to him.

But let me for a moment suppose a circumstance occurs in which your husband's heart is entangled, or that there appears a danger of his affections being drawn from you. This, in truth, is the bitterest wound a woman's heart ever received, and none but God can direct her aright. To him, therefore, (if she be under the influence of religion,) she will at once go, and at his footstool pour forth every thought of her heart. The comfort she implores she certainly will receive; the guidance she solicits will assuredly be granted. "The wife forsaken and grieved in spirit," is an object of peculiar care to Omnipotence; and her sighs and tears shall not be unnoticed. On this important subject, all I shall say is, Let circumstances, discretion, and good sense be your direction. But, as you value your peace, as you hope to win your husband back again, avoid an angry