Nay, after her hard-won conquest of herself and his departure, a rare sense of happiness, amid all her cares and troubles, had taken possession of the young wife's heart.

She had been cruel to herself, and the inner light of the clear diamond first gleams forth with the right brilliancy, after it has endured the torture of polishing.

She now felt with joyous gratitude, that she could look Peter frankly in the eye, grant him love, and ask love in return.

He scarcely seemed to notice her and her management under the burden of his cares, but she felt, that many things she said and could do for him pleased him.

The young wife did not suffer specially from the long famine, while it caused Barbara pain and unstrung her vigorous frame.