I learned to bear harshness, jeering, and wrong, because a door of escape was opened, and the roses of paradise seemed blushing beyond.
I suffered him to be my friend--lover--husband." I dropped the manuscript that I might clasp my hands in an ecstasy of gratitude-- "My God,--I thank thee!" I exclaimed, sinking on my knees, and repeating the emphatic words: "_friend--lover-husband_." "God of my mother, forgive my dark misgivings." Now I could look up.

Now I could hold the paper with a firm hand.

There was nothing in store that I could not bear to hear, no misfortune I had not courage to meet.

Alas! alas!.