It involves for life the happiness of the contracting parties--not only in a direct and personal way, but also in a general sense.

The man's business success largely depends upon the helpmate he has in his home.

_His career is at her mercy._ For example, if the wife should turn out to be unsympathetic, and uninterested in his ambitions, this fact might warp his prospects by causing him to _lose heart_ in facing the large problems awaiting him along the road of opportunity.
However, if she is of a cheerful, energetic disposition and willing to do all that she can to help him over the rough spots as they travel along together he will be _inspired into action_ and will do his level best.

He will be conscious as he goes about his work that there is _one_ person above all upon whom he can depend--_his wife_.
Marriage is a _serious business_ and usually we concede that point in the beginning.

However, this is not aimed as a blow at life's greatest romance ...