I acknowledged it by a silent gesture of admiration, which she quickly understood and accepted.

Was ever a man in the position of being delicately flattered by his own wife before?
I think not! Generally married persons are like candid friends--fond of telling each other very unpleasant truths, and altogether avoiding the least soupcon of flattery.

Though I was not so much flattered as amused--considering the position of affairs.

Just then a servant threw open the door and announced dinner.

I set my child very gently down from my knee and whisperingly told her that I would come and see her soon again.