All the victories that he had ever won must be given up.

He was thinking of this even while the gig was going round the corner near the parsonage house, and while Lily's eyes were still blessed with some view of his departing back; but he was thinking, also, that moment, that there might be other victory in store for him; that it might be possible for him to learn to like that fireside, even though babies should be there, and a woman opposite to him intent on baby cares.

He was struggling as best he knew how; for the solemnity which Lily had imparted to him had not yet vanished from his spirit.
"I hope that, upon the whole, you feel contented with your visit ?" said Bernard to him, at last.
"Contented?
Of course I do." "That is easily said; and civility to me, perhaps, demands as much.
But I know that you have, to some extent, been disappointed." "Well; yes.

I have been disappointed as regards money.

It is of no use denying it." "I should not mention it now, only that I want to know that you exonerate me." "I have never blamed you;--neither you, nor anybody else; unless, indeed, it has been myself." "You mean that you regret what you've done ?" "No; I don't mean that.