"I accept the invitation with pleasure, and promise to be ready at the minute." "You are the best little woman about that," he returned, with an appreciative look and smile.

"I don't remember that you have ever yet kept me waiting, when told beforehand at what time I intended to start." "Of course not," she said, with a pleased laugh; "because I was afraid, if I did, I shouldn't be invited so often: and I'm always so glad to go with you." "Not gladder than I am to have you," he said, with a very lover-like glance and smile.

"I always enjoy your society, and am always proud to show my friends and acquaintances what a dear little wife I have.

I dare say I'm looked upon as a very fortunate fellow in that respect, and sometimes envied on account of having drawn such a prize in the matrimonial lottery." They had left the table while he spoke, and with the last words he passed his arm round her waist.
"Dear me, Ned, what a gallant speech!" she said, flushing with delight; "you deserve a reward:" and she held up her face for a kiss.
"I am overpaid," he said, when he had bestowed it.
"In spite of the coin being such as you have a right to help yourself to whenever you will ?" she returned with a merry laugh.

"O Ned, my lover-husband!" she added, laying her head on his breast, "I am so happy in belonging to you, and I can never love you enough for all your goodness to me!" "Darling, are you not equally good and loving to me ?" he asked in tender tones, and holding her close.
"But I owe every thing to you," she responded with emotion.