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196 she loves a certain man, and will ask why he objects to him, that she will be made to understand it all. Fathers are reasonable creatures, especially where the happiness of their daughters is concerned, for we all know that, though they may have a certain pride in their sons, it is their daughters who always get closest to their hearts.

To the girl who has a sweetheart I would say be as careful of your love as if it were the most fragile china, and do not let it ever be nicked in any way, for you want nothing less than a perfect love. This may be yours if you will guard your love. Your love may be as ideal as you please, and yet, because love itself is above the mere things of earth, it can yet govern your life practically, so that, for dear love's sake, the unkind word will not be spoken, and the cruel thought will never enter your heart. Sometimes, for dear love's sake, we suffer, but the love itself is so well worth having, that one can endure the pain. To you and your sweetheart I say be faithful, be true, be loving, have a great affection for the friend, with the great love that goes to the sweetheart, and you will attain that perfect union which, on the day when you two become one, will show itself in your lover's face, and the lookers-on will know that "the heart of her husband doth safely trust in her."