CHAPTER XXVII.
_CHECKMATE_.
If ever our readers have observed two chess-players, both ardent, skilful, determined, who have been carrying on noiselessly the moves of a game, they will understand the full significance of this decisive term.
Up to this point, there is hope, there is energy, there is enthusiasm; the pieces are marshalled and managed with good courage.

At last, perhaps in an unexpected moment, one, two, three adverse moves follow each other, and the decisive words, _check-mate_, are uttered.
This is a symbol of what often goes on in the game of life.
Here is a man going on, indefinitely, conscious in his own heart that he is not happy in his domestic relations.

There is a want of union between him and his wife.

She is not the woman that meets his wants or his desires; and in the intercourse of life they constantly cross and annoy each other.

But still he does not allow himself to look the matter fully in the face.