Shame, self-contempt, remorse have been an infinitely heavier burden.

If any man was ever cured of trusting for happiness to a wicked world, it is Coronado." In spite of his words and his elaborately penitent expression, Clara only partially understood him.

Some kind of evil life he was obviously confessing, but what kind she only guessed in the vaguest fashion.
However, she comprehended enough to interest her warmly: here was a penitent sinner who had forsaken ways of wickedness; here was a struggling soul which needed encouragement and tenderness.

A woman loves to believe that she can be potent over hearts, and especially that she can be potent for good.

Clara fixed upon Coronado's face a gaze of compassion and benevolence which was almost superhuman.