I knew where my wife was to be found if ever I had one at all; and she was so sweet and good, and let me see so frankly that she liked and trusted me, that I--it was all vanity, Lucia--I never much doubted that in time I should make her love me." He stopped.

Lucia was looking at him eagerly.

Even yet she did not quite understand.

"Go on," she said.
"There was my mistake," he continued.

"I might have won her then perhaps.