"Why, guardian," I explained, not without reddening a little at hazarding what was in my thoughts, "there is something so tender in his manner, after all, and he is so very courtly and gentle to us, and--" Mr.Jarndyce directed his eyes to where he was sitting as I have just described him.
I said no more.
"You are right, little woman," he answered.

"He was all but married once.

Long ago.

And once." "Did the lady die ?" "No--but she died to him.

That time has had its influence on all his later life.