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Rh the more ponderous: that which I should be compelled to relinquish, or that which a change in my state may possibly bring into existence."

"In Neuroomia," I replied, "where there is no danger of experiencing the discomforts and annoyances arising from poverty, and where existence is surrounded by conditions in the highest degree a vourable, I fail to see how or why it would be incumbent on a man taking a partner for life to make any serious sacrifices."

"I was not speaking generally," he said, "but as regards my own individual case. Concerning marriage," he continued, "I have thought over the matter, and hold that, notwithstanding whatever has been said against it as an institution, and whatever its drawbacks might be, that to me the wedded state appears the most natural and noble for all. As for myself, perhaps I should have taken a partner, but then I should have taken one before I reached the meridian of life."

"You are not an old man yet," I interjected.

"No," was the answer; "it is not age so much as the groove I have got into that now forms the barrier. For the last fifty years I followed a roving life, and led an expedition to the mountains every summer, frequently remaining away from