Her taste on many points differed from that of her husband, and though she made frequent concessions it must be confessed that her concessions were not always graceful.

They were founded upon a vague project she had of some day doing something very positive, something a trifle passionate.

What she meant to do she could by no means have told you; but meanwhile, nevertheless, she was buying a good conscience, by installments.
It should be added, without delay, to anticipate misconception, that her little scheme of independence did not definitely involve the assistance of another person, of the opposite sex; she was not saving up virtue to cover the expenses of a flirtation.

For this there were various reasons.
To begin with, she had a very plain face and she was entirely without illusions as to her appearance.

She had taken its measure to a hair's breadth, she knew the worst and the best, she had accepted herself.