She had reproached him, and had at the same time turned away from him.

She had repudiated him, first as a lover, then as a friend; and he had hitherto never been able to gauge the depth of the affection for him which had underlaid all her conduct.

As he stood there thinking of it all, he began to understand it.
How natural had been her conduct on his arrival, and how like that of a genuine, true-hearted, honest woman! All her first thoughts had been for his little personal wants,--that he should be warmed, and fed, and made outwardly comfortable.

Let sorrow be ever so deep, and love ever so true, a man will be cold who travels by winter, and hungry who has travelled by night.

And a woman, who is a true, genuine woman, always takes delight in ministering to the natural wants of her friend.