"I don't think you are strong enough, dear."
"O, yes, I am. And, besides, it will do me good to go out and take the fresh air. You know that it is now six weeks since I have been outside of the front door."
"I know it has. But—"
"But what, Jane?"
"You know what I would say, Jonas. You know the terrible fear that rests upon my heart like a night-mare."
And Mrs. Marshall covered her face with her hands, and gave way to tears.
A long silence followed this. At length Marshall said,
"I hope, Jane, that I shall be able to restrain myself. I am, at least, resolved to try."
"O, husband, if you will only try!" Mrs. Marshall ejaculated eagerly, lifting her tearful eyes, and looking him with an appealing expression in the face—"If you will only try!"
"I will try, Jane. But do not feel too much confidence in my effort. I am weak—so weak that I tremble when I think of it—and remember what an almost irresistible influence I have to contend with."