A suggestion of possible coolness in the air tempted me to rise and stroll through the garden.
My wife slept soundly at my side.

I dressed softly, without disturbing her.

As I was about to leave the room some instinct made me turn back to look at her once more.

How lovely she was! she smiled in her sleep! My heart beat as I gazed--she had been mine for three years--mine only!--and my passionate admiration and love of her had increased in proportion to that length of time.

I raised one of the scattered golden locks that lay shining like a sunbeam on the pillow, and kissed it tenderly.