There was neither self-will, perverseness, nor antagonism, in this; but paralysis instead.

Emotion had died.
It was Christmas before Mrs.Dexter left her room--and then she was so weak as to need a supporting arm.

Tonics only were administered by her physician; but if they acted at all, it was so feebly that scarcely any good result appeared.

The cause of weakness lay far beyond the reach of his medicines.
With the slow return of bodily strength and mental activity, was developed in the mind of Mrs.Dexter a feeling of repugnance to her husband that went on increasing.

She did not struggle against this feeling, because she knew, by instinct, that all resistance would be vain.