At the seaside all the circumstances had combined to aid and befriend them.

Surrounded by people to whom she and Wilhelm were alike strangers, they were thrown entirely upon one another, and even his scruples could find nothing to prevent him treating her openly as his wife.

In Paris, on the other hand, all the circumstances became disturbing and inimical.

Pilar had her circle of friends, and her accustomed way of life, to which Wilhelm would have to adapt himself.
Would that occur without opposition on his part?
Would not many a tender sentiment be wounded beyond the power of healing in that struggle?
But of what avail were all these tormenting questions?
She had to look the future in the face, and prepare to engage in a struggle in which he was determined to come off victorious.
From time to time she glanced at Wilhelm, and always found him deep in thought.

He was reviewing, with a touch of self-mockery, the latest development of his affairs.