THE ΗΟΝΕΥ - ΜΟΟΝ: BY THE COUNTESS OF BLESSINGTON. AND OTHER TALES, 66 66 BY THE AUTHORS OF PELHAM," THE GIPSY," 99.66 " VIVIAN GREY," CECIL HYDE,"-H. F. CHORLEY, MISS MITFord, L. E. L., MRS. S. C. HALL, MISS SHERIDAN, CROFTON IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. I+ PHILADELPHIA PROPERT TP E. L. CAREY AND 1837. SOCIETY THE HONEY-MOON. BY THE COUNTESS OF BLESSINGTON. "Some persons pay for a month of honey with a life of vinegar." NOVELS and comedies end generally in a marriage, because, after that event, it is supposed that nothing remains to be told. This supposition is erroneous, as the history of many a wedded pair might exemplify: for, how many hearts have fallen away from their allegiance, after hands have been joined by the saffron-robed god, which had remained true, while suffering all the pangs that, from time immemorial, have attended the progress of the archer boy! Passion-possession-what a history is comprised in these two words! But how often might its moral be conveyed in a third-indifference! Marriage, we are told, is the portal at which Love resigns his votaries to the dominion of sober Reason; but, alas! many have so little predilection for his empire, that they rather endeavour to retain the illusions of the pastfor ever-than to content themselves with the reality in their power. gone During the days of courtship, the objects beloved are viewed through a magic mirror, which gives only perfections to the sight; but, after marriage, a magnifying glass seems to supply its place, which draws objects so unpleasingly near, that even the most trivial defects are made prominent. Courtship is a dream; marriage, the time of awaking. Fortunate are they who can lay aside |