But when he talked lightly of sacred matters, such as God and Duty, he ran daggers into her heart.

She almost hated him.
He had to expend much eloquence and persuasion to induce her to listen to him.

He had no wish to break any of the Commandments, especially the Third.

He professed penitence.

But didn't she see that her treatment of him was driving him into a desperate unbelief in God and man?
When a woman accepted a man's love she accepted many responsibilities.
Phyllis stonily denied acceptance.
"I've refused it.