Wright American Fiction

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Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1856, by H. C. PECK & THEO. BLISS, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, in and for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. STEREOTYPED BY E. B. MEARS. PRINTED BY SMITH & PETERS Franklin Buildings, Sixth Street, below Arch, Philadelphia.

Preface

THERE is no relation in life so important—none involving so much of happiness or misery, as that of husband and wife. Yet, how rarely is it, that the parties when contracting this relation, have large experience, clear insight into character, or truly know themselves! In each other, they may have the tenderest confidence, and for each other the warmest love; but, only a brief time can pass ere they will discover that the harmonious progression of two minds, each of which has gained an individual and independent movement is not always a thing of easy attainment. Too soon, alas! is felt a jar of discord—too soon self-will claims an individual freedom of action that is not fully accorded; and page: iv-5 (Table of Contents) [View Page iv-5 (Table of Contents) ]Switch to Image ModeCLOSE Page iv-5 (Table of Contents) unless there is wisdom and forbearance, temporary or permanent unhappiness is sure to follow.

Much has been written on the true relation of married partners, and we cannot do a better service to the bride and bridegroom, than by gathering words of wisdom on this subject from all sources within our reach, and presenting them in as attractive a form as possible. And this we have done in the present volume, to which, as the title-page indicates, we bear only the relation of editor. In it will be found pictures of life, serious counsel, earnest admonition, and hints and suggestions, which, if wisely followed, will keep the sky bright with sunshine, or scatter the gathering clouds ere they break in angry storms. May this "WEDDING GUEST" receive as warm a welcome as we desire.

CONTENTS.

• THE EVENING BEFORE MARRIAGE 7
• THE WIFE 14
• MARRIAGE 30
• THE BRIDE'S SISTER 34
• LOVE vs. HEALTH 35
• THE YOUNG HOUSEKEEPER 45
• TO AN ABSENT WIFE 57
• THE WORD OF PRAISE 58
• LETTERS TO A YOUNG WIFE FROM A MARRIED LADY 71
• THE WIFE 82
• BE GENTLE WITH THY WIFE 83
• A TRUE TALE OF LIFE 84
• MAN AND WOMAN 102
• THE FAIRY WIFE—AN APOLOGUE 106
• A BRIEF HISTORY, IN THREE PARTS, WITH A SEQUEL 109
• ELMA'S MISSION 111
• LIVING LIKE A LADY 128
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• LADY LUCY'S SECRET 133
• A WORD FOR WIVES 144,
• NO JEWELLED BEAUTY 147
• THE FIRST MARRIAGE IN THE FAMILY 148
• ONLY A FEW WORDS 156
• THE TWO HOMES 163
• LOVE'S FAIRY RING 170
• FANNIE'S BRIDAL 172
• THE LOVER AND THE HUSBAND 182
• NELLIE 185
• A HOME IN THE HEART 192
• A LEAF FROM A FAMILY JOURNAL 193
• TRIFLES 205
• DOMESTIC HAPPINESS 224
• A SYLVAN MORALITY; OR, A WORD TO WIVES 282
• PASSAGES FROM A YOUNG WIFE'S DIARY 245
• HINTS AND HELPS FOR MARRIED PARTNERS 254
• THREE WAYS OF MANAGING A WIFE 285