It was cruel.

The strong man trembled with agitation; his lips quivered, his face was pale as death.

He bent over his weeping wife.
"Madaline," he said, gently, "I do not understand the ways of destiny.
Why you and I have to suffer this torture I cannot say.

I can see nothing in our lives that deserves such punishment.

Heaven knows best.
Why we have met and loved, only to undergo such anguish, is a puzzle I cannot solve.