In absolute independence of character, as in sheer strength of personality, Steel stood by himself in the estimation of his wife.

But he had deceived her unnecessarily for weeks and months.

He had lied to her.

He had refused her his whole confidence when she begged him for it, and when he knew how he could trust her.

There was some deep mystery underlying their marriage, he could not deny it, yet he would not tell her what it was.
He had made her suffer needless pain; it was his turn.