He had been lured into an enterprise that at the time had seemed certain of success, even to his conservative mind, but unforeseen elements had entered into the problem, and it now required all his nerve, all his resources, to meet the strain.

Neither Madge nor his wife knew anything of this.

Indeed, it was not his habit to speak of his affairs to any one, unless the exigencies of the case required explanation.

In this emergency he was obliged to maintain among his associates an air of absolute confidence.

Now that he was out of the arena he gave evidence of the strain.
Madge saw this, and resolved that her large reserve of vitality should be drawn upon.