She herself did not know it, but surely this exceeding cruel crying was nothing else but the conflict between the love of the woman which went out to her earthly lover, and would fain make him happy, and the nature of the inhabitant of heaven, where there is neither marrying nor giving in marriage.

This was the key to her inexplicable sorrow during the past weeks.

This explained why, though she loved him so tenderly, the thought of becoming his wife was so intolerable to her.
So be it.

Her nature could not sink to his, but his should rise to hers.
This brief dream of earthly passion must pass.

Better a thousand times that he should be disappointed in all that is dear to the heart of a man, than that he should grieve her thus.