She endured her husband's occasional absence from this rural home with perfect patience.

These absences were rare and brief at first, but afterwards grew longer and more frequent.

Nor did she ever sigh for any brighter or gayer life than this which they led together at the Grange.

In him were the beginning and end of her hopes and dreams; and so long as he was pleased and contented, she was completely happy.

It was only when a change came in him--very slight at first, but still obvious to his wife's tender watchful eyes--that her own happiness was clouded.
That change told her that whatever he might be to her, she was no longer all the world to him.