He passed the days in endeavouring to make his wife forget the injury he had done her in marrying her in spite of the opposition of her mother.

He had realised at the death of their child that she half accused him of this punishment, and he wished to be forgiven.

She had done so years ago, and now she idolised him.

Sometimes he was not sure of it, and this doubt saddened his life.

He wished they might have had another infant, and so feel assured that the obstinate mother had been softened after death, and had withdrawn her malediction.
That, in fact, was their united desire--a child of pardon; and he worshipped his wife with a tender love, ardent and pure as that of a betrothed.