But I am content no longer to be an idle lingerer among its pleasant groves; for I have ceased to feel the inspiration of its loveliness." Mrs.Markland made no answer.

After a silence of some minutes, her husband said, with a slight hesitation in his voice, as if uncertain as to the effect of his words-- "I have for some time felt a strong desire to visit Europe." The colour receded from Mrs.Markland's face; and there was a look in her eyes that her husband did not quite understand, as they rested steadily in his.
"I have the means and the leisure," he added, "and the tour would not only be one of pleasure, but profit." "True," said his wife, and, then her, face was bent down so low that he could not see, its expression for the shadows by which it was partially concealed.
"We would both enjoy the trip exceedingly." "Both! You did not think of taking me ?" "Why, Aggy, dear!--as if I could dream for a moment of any pleasure in which you had not a share!" So earnestly and tenderly was this said, that Mrs.Markland felt a thrill of joy tremble over her heart-strings.

And yet, for all, she could not keep back the overflowing tears, but hid her face, to conceal them, on her husband's bosom.
Her true feelings Mr.Markland did not read: and often, as he mused on what appeared singular in her manner that evening, he was puzzled to comprehend its meaning.

Nor had his vision ever penetrated deep enough to see all that was in her heart..