As a matter of fact the marriage had happened entirely by accident.

It had occurred through a misunderstanding during a game of consequences in a country house.

She was terribly literal.

Having taken some joke of his seriously, she had sent him a touchingly coy letter saying she was overwhelmed at his offer (feeling she was hardly worthy to be his wife) and must think it over.

He did not like to hurt her feelings by explaining, and when she relented and accepted him he couldn't bear to tell her the truth.