"She has started on a career of her own, and she does n't care a straw for me.

My head was filled with her; I could think of nothing else; I would have sacrificed everything to her--you, Mary, Mallet, my work, my fortune, my future, my honor! I was in a fine state, eh?
I don't pretend to be giving you good news; but I 'm telling the simple, literal truth, so that you may know why I have gone to the dogs.

She pretended to care greatly for all this, and to be willing to make any sacrifice in return; she had a magnificent chance, for she was being forced into a mercenary marriage with a man she detested.

She led me to believe that she would give this up, and break short off, and keep herself free and sacred and pure for me.

This was a great honor, and you may believe that I valued it.