The only flaw that she could detect was that dryness of soul that she had noticed before, as of soil that has been too heavily drained.

She knew that he excelled in all the virtues that are monumental and public, that he was an honourable opponent, a scrupulous defender of established rules and precedents.

He would always reach the goal, but his race would never carry him beyond the end of the course; he would always fulfil the law, but he would never give more than the exact measure; he would always fight for the risen Christ, but he would never have followed the humble bearer of the Cross.

His strength and weakness were the kind which had profoundly influenced her life.

He represented in her world the conservative principle, the accepted standard, the acknowledged authority, custom, stability, reason, and moderation.
As he sat down in front of the fire, he looked at her with a gentle possessive gaze.
"Of course you have never sold a print," he remarked in a laughing tone, and she responded as flippantly.
"Of course!" "Why didn't you call it a collection ?" "Because people wouldn't come." "Then why didn't you keep them at home where you have so much that is fine ?" She laughed.