Richard Anthony has not been considered a bad fellow else he would never have become the Mayor of Southampton; and for fifteen years Mary and I have got on very well together, save for the little disputes which have arisen from her over masterful disposition.

But she is a good wife--none could wish for better--though she is given to flame out at what she considers unrighteous dealings; but every woman has her faults, and every man too as far as that goes, and upon the whole few of them have less than Mary.

I will write to her at once." The mayor was not a man to delay when his mind was once made up, and sitting down at a writing desk he wrote as follows: "DEAR WIFE: I inclose a letter which has come for you from your Cousin Jack.

I opened it, and you will think poorly of me when I tell you that had it been filled with complaints of me, as I expected, it would not have come to your hands; for your anger against me is fierce enough without the adding of fresh fuel thereto.

But the lad, as you will see, writes in quite another strain, and remembers former kindnesses rather than late injuries.