It will be her happiness first--at all costs." "People aren't usually made happy at all costs," said the doctor wisely.
"They may be, if they do not know the price." "I see." "You'll know where I stand a bit better when you've read a letter you'll find waiting for you at home.

But here is the whole point of the matter--I had to get Desire away from that devilish old parent of hers.
And marriage was the only effective way.

But Desire did not want marriage.

She has never told me just why but I have seen and heard enough to know that her horror of the idea is deep seated, a spiritual nausea, an abnormal twist which may never straighten.

I say 'may,' because there is a good chance the other way.