When he was alone, Egremont wondered much within himself what kind of woman such a man might have chosen to share his life.

Had he contemplated marriage for some time, and been prevented from it by stress of circumstances?
It was not easy to picture the suitable partner for Grail.

Clearly she must be another than the thriftless, shiftless creature too common in working-class homes.

Yet it was not likely that he had met with any one who could share his inner life.

Had he, following the example of many a prudent man, chosen a good, quiet, modest woman, whose first and last anxiety would be to keep his home in order and see that he lacked no comfort within her province to bestow?
It was probable.