"Yes," he replied, regarding her with anxious blue eyes,--"yes.

I am grieved to have you so much alone; yet I know how natural it is to desire to be alone." Helen did not answer.
"I hope," he went on, hesitating, "you will not think I intrude if I say--I came because I wanted to say that I have a great respect for your husband, Helen." Helen turned sharply, as though she would have clasped his hands, and then put her own over her face, which was quivering with sudden tears.
Mr.Dale touched her shoulder gently.

"Yes, a great respect.

Love like his inspires reverence.

It is almost divine." Helen's assent was inaudible.
"Not, my dear," the old man continued, "that I do not regret--yes, with all my heart I deplore--the suffering for you both, by which his love is proved.