His mind would have been occupied with sterner thoughts and more exalted cares.

But rich as he was, I longed to see him live for something nobler than personal enjoyment, to know that he possessed a higher aim than love for me.

I did not feel worthy to fill the capacities of that noble heart.

I wanted him to love me less, that I might have something more to desire.
"Of what are you thinking so deeply, sweet wife ?" he asked, when I had been unconsciously indulging in a long, deep reverie.

"What great subject knits so severely that fair young brow ?" he repeated, sitting by me, and taking my hand in his.
I blushed, for my thoughts were making bold excursions.
"I was thinking," I answered, looking bravely in his face, "what a blessed thing it must be to do good, to have the will as well as the power to bless mankind." "Tell me what scheme of benevolence my little philanthropist is forming.
What mighty engine would she set in motion to benefit her species ?" "I was thinking how happy a person must feel, who was able to establish an asylum for the blind or the insane, a hospital for the sick, or a home for the orphan.