No woman could stand that constant work of adjustment which was in reality maladjustment, and this wife's nerves broke down unexpectedly and completely.
When our nerves get weak we are unable to repress resistance which in a stronger state we had covered up.

This wife, while she had indulged and protected her husband's peculiarities, had subconsciously resisted them.

When she became ill her subconscious resistance came to the surface.

She surprised herself by growing impatient with her husband.
He, of course; retorted.

As she grew worse he did not find his usual comfort from her care, and instead of trying to help her to get well he turned his back on her and complained to another woman.