"Above all—do your best to understand her! Women are not always easy to understand; but don't leave your wife out of your own life!
"Share everyone of your joys and everyone of your sorrows with her. You will have hours of gloomy thought and bitterness, perhaps—most men do. But never forget in those unhappy hours that a husband has a heavy responsibility. Always remember, Raymond, my boy, that you are responsible for the life and soul and happiness of the woman who gives herself to you!"
The young man listened gravely with bowed head. As his father paused he looked up with a tender smile.
"I don't think the responsibility will be a very heavy one in my case, father," he said.
"Life sometimes proves to be exceedingly cruel, my boy," replied his father, shaking his head.
"Valmorin will be here presently and I will have a talk with him. I must tell him a secret before I ask him to give you his daughter's hand."
"A secret!" exclaimed the young man, startled.
"Yes," nodded his father. "I'll tell you what it is afterwards." Raymond felt a growing uneasiness and dread. Lovers are easily-alarmed.
"Your secret—won't—won't prevent him——?" he stammered.
"No!" replied his father with a light laugh, "ii don't think so."