There comes a time after marriage, when a husband, if he be any thing of a man, has something else to do than make direct love to his wife.

He cannot be on duty at all hours to fan her, and shawl her, and admire her.

His love must express itself through other channels.

He must be a full man for her sake; and, as a man, must go forth to a whole world of interests that takes him from her.

Now what in this case shall a woman do, whose only life lies in petting and adoration and display?
Springdale had no _beau monde_, no fashionable circle, no Bois de Boulogne, and no beaux, to make amends for a husband's engrossments.
Grace was sisterly and kind; but what on earth had they in common to talk about?
Lillie's wardrobe was in all the freshness of bridal exuberance, and there was nothing more to be got, and so, for the moment, no stimulus in this line.