More than once the word had been all but spoken; but the word had never been spoken.

She had been subjected to what might be called cruel pressure.

In season and out of season her mother had represented as a duty this marriage with her cousin.

Why should she not marry her cousin?
It must be understood that these questions had been asked before any of the terrible facts of Captain Scarborough's life had been made known to her.

Because, it may be said, she did not love him.