But, as has been true in many other cases, when they
were at last married, the most ideal of situations was found to have been
changed to the most practical. Instead of having shared their original duties,
and as school-boys would say, going halves, they discovered that the cares of
life had been doubled. This led to some distressing moments for both our
friends; they understood suddenly that instead of dwelling in heaven they were
still upon earth, and had made themselves slaves to new laws and limitations.
Instead of being freer and happier than ever before, they had assumed new
responsibilities; they had established a new household, and must fulfill in
some way or another the obligations of it. They looked back with affection to
their engagement; they had been longing to have each other to themselves, apart
from the world, but it seemed they never felt so keenly that they were still
units in modern society.