As for his heart, it could not speak at all, it was a swinging lump.

The rational view of the situation was exposed to her; and she listened to that favourably, or at least attentively; but with an edge to her civil smile when he hinted of entertainments, voyages, travels, an excursion to her native mountain land.

Her brother would then be facing death.

The rational view, she admitted, was one to be considered.

Yes, they were married; they had a son; they were bound to sink misunderstandings, in the interests of their little son.