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142 happy as Louisa. She is several years younger, and will be no worse for waiting two or three years—not that she can see much more of her husband than she has done, as he is continually at sea, which is all the better, as there is little doubt of his having a ship ere long. We all love that the best which has cost us the most; and they will prize each other the more for their present sorrow, provided it is not continued too long. It is on this principle, Isabella, that I hope for the continuance of your affection. God knows I have cost you enough! every day of my life increases my sense of your kindness, and the way in which you 'stooped to conquer.' Depend upon it, my love, the object was insured. Some people say there are such things as good husbands, but never grateful ones—that the innate pride of the strong sex never owns obligation to the weaker. I rather think there is some truth in the observation, especially when, as in our case, the lady is so considerably younger; for it does seem strange, almost impossible, to hold oneself under serious obligation to the child you have dandled—the little girl who has kissed you for giving her a new doll. Well, never mind, darling, I shall love you the most when I have forgotten to thank you at all—you understand this?" "Perfectly," exclaimed Isabella; "the sooner he forgets the past the better for me," and she eagerly resumed the letter. "Messina interests me much; but I shall talk to you of Sicily, not write of it. To-morrow we set out