Though he had loved her dearly, and had in all things consulted her welfare and happiness, he had at times been inclined to think that in the exuberance of her spirits she had been a trouble rather than a support to him.

But now it was as though all outside appliances were taken away from him.

There was no one of whom he could ask a question.
For it may be said of this man that, though throughout his life he had had many Honourable and Right Honourable friends, and that though he had entertained guests by the score, and though he had achieved for himself the respect of all good men and the thorough admiration of some few who knew him, he had hardly made for himself a single intimate friend--except that one who had now passed away from him.

To her he had been able to say what he thought, even though she would occasionally ridicule him while he was declaring his feelings.

But there had been no other human soul to whom he could open himself.
There were one or two whom he loved, and perhaps liked; but his loving and his liking had been exclusively political.