But at the close of one year mark the result—one year of patient trial to our young wife! Many vexations, both real and imaginary, had been hers, yet she loved her husband, and resolved to overcome all the errors of her education, that she might be to him the helpmate—the friend—the beloved companion she felt he deserved. Where there is a will, it is said, there is always a way, and Anna bravely conquered the difficulties which at first presented themselves. Even those who most criticised her first attempts at housekeeping might now have taken lessons themselves from the neatness and order which reigned throughout her establishment.
The rebellious Kitty yielded gradually to the gentle dominion of her charming mistress. Miss Krout sweetened her vinegar visage, and even presented Anna with a jar of pickles of her own preparation, while Mrs. Peerabout acknowledged that the “Doctor’s city wife was wonderful—considerin’!”
May my simple story encourage the young wife to meet those trials in her domestic path, from which none are wholly exempt, with patience and meekness—let her remember that “Love considereth not itself,” and
“That if ye will be happy in marriage,
Confide, love, and be patient: be faithful, firm, and holy.”
THOU ART COLD.
Anna! methought thou wert a raptured saint,
Like those who loved and worshiped here of old,
In whom the fire of heaven and earth were blent: