The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 131: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

114 REYNOLDS’ WORKS of temper which are but too well calculated to make a house- hold unhappy and drive a man to distraction. Regarded individually, each perhaps is an airy nothing, but agera- vated, accumulated, taken together, they constitute an in- supportable tyranny. One single drop of water falling on the stone makes no impression, but the constant dripping wears it away. A single blow upon the head does little harm beyond the transient pain, but a continuous succession of blows produces madness. Thus is it with those infirmities of temper to which I have alluded, and now do you com- prehend me? ”’ “I understand and I am astonished,” replied the Mar- quis of Villebelle. ‘‘ I am sorry that I should have turned the conversation in’a manner to evolve such a topic, — a topic invested with the solemn sanctity of a family secret.’’ ‘Do not be sorry on that account, my dear Villebelle,’’ rephed Chateauneuf. ‘“‘I am glad that you have thus spoken. I do indeed require a friend, for I am about to take a step of paramount importance — nothing less than sep- arating from my wifte.’’ The Marquis of Villebelle looked deeply concerned, as indeed he was. He needed not to ask the question whether the viscountess was as yet aware of her husband’s intention, for he felt assured that she was not. He therefore experi- enced an illimitable compassion for that young lady, who was evidently lulled into the security of her own love, cradled in the confidence of her own affection, unsuspicious of the storm which was gathering above her head. He was concerned, too, on account of his friend Jules de Cha- teauneuf, for he could not but consider that it was indeed a fearful step that he had resolved upon taking. “ Yes,’ continued the viscount, “I am determined — unless indeed you show me good reason to induce me to alter my resolve. A man is bound to consult his own happiness; he must not sacrifice it for the sake of one woman, when it can be ensured by another, although the former bear the more sacred title of wife, and the latter be in the false position of a mistress. Such is my case. Can you therefore blame me? I shall not act dishonourably in financial matters with regard to Stephanie. Though none of her fortune is by deed settled upon herself, I purpose to give her halt, and a moiety of my own half shall I settle on my mistress. This CONNIE ICO KS (E(0)