But this doesn't often happen, for he rarely shows himself in company." "Is there anything noticeable about Henry when they meet ?" I asked.
"Not to an ordinary observer," replied Mrs.Dean.

"But I look with sharper eyes than most people.

Yes, there is something noticeable.

He always puts himself in her way, but with a kind of forced, resolute manner, as if the act were a trial of strength, and involved a stern heart-discipline.

And this I think, is just the real state of the case.
He has deliberately and resolutely entered upon the work of unwinding from his heart the cord which love his thrown around it in so many intertwisted folds.