His primitive ideas on woman had undergone a change since his marriage.

Previously he had considered a wife in the light of property; intellectual or moral independence he could not attribute to her.

But he had learnt that Adela was by no means his chattel.

He still knew diffidence when he was inclined to throw a joke at her, and could not take her hand without involuntary respect--a sensation which occasionally irritated him.

A dim inkling of what was meant by woman's strength and purity had crept into his mind; he knew--in his heart he knew--that he was unworthy to touch her garment.
And, to face the whole truth, he all but loved her; that was the meaning of his mingled sentiments with regard to her.