He had been convinced since last night that Mallard was embittered by jealousy, and he half credited the fear lest jealousy might urge to the use of any weapons against him; he was tempted by the satisfaction of putting Cecily on her guard against interested motives.

But he should not have troubled her soul with such suspicions.

He read on her face how she was pained, and her next word proved his folly.
"If you are right, I can never speak to him as I might have done.

It alters everything; it makes everything harder.

You are mistaken." "I may be.