Deep down in their hearts there was no defect of love.

But this love was compelled to hide itself away; and so, for the most part, it lay concealed from even their own consciousness.
During the second year of their married life there came a change of state in both Irene and her husband.

They had each grown weary of constraint when together.

It was irksome to be always on guard, lest some word, tone or act should be misunderstood.

In consequence, old collisions were renewed, and Hartley often grew impatient and even contemptuous toward his wife, when she ventured to speak of social progress, woman's rights, or any of the kindred themes in which she still took a warm interest.