to me of his doubts, and I saw that they were fundamental. I sounded him on his plans of his future labors exactly and minutely. His lamenting admirers may rest assured there was nothing new or grand in them. From among those near to Alexis only his wife failed to see the decline of his talent; nor would she ever have seen it. Do you know why? She did not always read her husband's productions. When I once made an attempt to open her eyes even slightly, she simply considered me a wretch. Seeing that we were alone, she said:
"You cannot forgive him something else."
"What is that?"
"That he is my husband and that I love him. If Alexis were not so attached to you . . ."
She faltered, and I anticipatingly finished her thought.
"You'd drive me out?"
Her eyes flashed laughter. And, smiling innocently, she pronounced slowly:
