That he loved her as she loved him, she had never cause to doubt.

But in his self-renunciation he gave her advice that sprang out of his own sorrow and pessimism.

It was no use, ran his letters, for a woman like her to try and battle against the evident decrees of Fortune.

He was a man, and must fight his battle or die his death bravely; but she was not called on for this.

There was no reason why she should not really enjoy herself, in the way most of the world thought she was enjoying herself.