He had intended to talk to her of Archie's father, and of Lucy, and she had supposed he had only come to comfort her about the village gossip.
For some minutes he stood like one dazed.

Then a feeling of unspeakable reverence stole over him.

Not only was she determined to suffer alone and in silence, but she would guard her sister's secret at the cost of her own happiness.

Inside that sacred precinct he knew he could never enter; that wine-press she intended to tread alone.
Then a sudden indignation, followed by a contempt of his own weakness took possession of him.

Being the older and stronger nature, he should have compelled her to listen.