Never, while he lived, could he make his beautiful wife his own truly--they were indeed parted for evermore.

There remained to him to write that letter; should he consent to Madaline's mother living with her or should he not?
He reflected long and anxiously, and then having well weighed the matter he decided that he would not refuse his wife her request.

He must run the risk, but he would not caution her.
He wrote to Madaline, and told her that he would be pleased if she were pleased, and that he hoped she would be happy with her mother, adding the caution that he trusted she would impress upon her mother the need of great reticence, and that she must not mention the unfortunate circumstances of the family to any creature living.
Madaline's answer touched him.

She assured him that there was no fear--that her mother was to be implicitly trusted.

She told him also how entirely she had kept the secret of his separation from her, lest it should add to her mother's trouble.
"She will know now that I do not live with you, that I never see you, that we are as strangers, but she will never know the reason." He was deeply moved.