If she wanted to go fishing in the Jordan, he would make ready the baits or net, and take the fishes off the hook--a thing she hated.

If she sought a rare flower, Caleb would hunt it out for days, although she knew well that in himself he did not care for flowers, and when he had found it, would mark the spot and lead her there in triumph.

Also there was this about him, as she was soon quick enough to learn: he worshipped her.
Whatever else might be false, that note in his nature rang true.

If one child could love another, then Caleb loved Miriam, first with the love of children, then as a man loves a woman.

Only--and this was the sorrow of it--Miriam never loved Caleb.