For with all his deep affection for his wife, Richard Demorest unconsciously feared her.

The strong man whose dominance over men and women alike had been his salient characteristic, had begun to feel an undefinable sense of some unrecognized quality in the woman he loved.

He had once or twice detected it in a tone of her voice, in a remembered and perhaps even once idolized gesture, or in the accidental lapse of some bewildering word.

With the generosity of a large nature he had put the thought aside, referring it to some selfish weakness of his own, or--more fatuous than all--to a possible diminution of his own affection.
He was standing on the steps ready to receive her.

Few of her appreciative sex could have remained indifferent to the tender and touching significance of his silent and subdued welcome.