But she never dreamt of him as her husband: only as a friendless stranger to be helped and comforted.

And that he was worthy of help; that some great future was in store for him; that he was a chosen vessel marked out for glory, she had persuaded herself utterly; and the persuasion grew in her day by day, as she heard more and more of his cleverness, honesty, and kindliness, mysterious and, to her, miraculous learning.

Therefore she did not make haste; she did not even try to see him, or to speak to him; a civil bow in passing was all that she took or gave; and she was content with that, and waited till the time came, when she was destined to do for him--what she knew not; but it would be done if she were strong enough.

So she set herself to learn, and read, and trained her mind and temper more earnestly than ever, and waited in patience for God's good time.

And now, behold, a black, unfathomable gulf of doubt and shame had opened between them, perhaps for ever.