Just wanted to dodge convention, and give her freedom and happiness.

He was only giving her a mite out of his income.

Because he had loved her mother; because, but for an accident of chance, she, Kitty, might have been his daughter.

Why, then, this persistent and unaccountable revulsion?
Why should she hesitate?
The ancient female fear of the trap?
That could not be it.

For a more honourable, a more lovable man did not walk the earth.