You married me more or less under compulsion, and when a wife is no more than a guest in her husband's house, confidence between them, of any description, is almost an impossibility." He spoke without anger, but with a sadness that pierced her to the heart; and having so spoken he leant his arm upon the mantelpiece, turning slightly from her.
"I will tell you," he said, his voice very quiet and even, "exactly what Mrs.Lockyard was hinting at.

Ten years ago I was engaged to a girl--like you in many ways--gay, impulsive, bewitching.

I was young in those days, romantic, too.

I worshipped her as a goddess.

I was utterly blind to her failings.