But now with astonishing swiftness and clarity of vision she knew that he never had been a husband to her.
What another had told her was the truth.

He never had allowed her to touch his hand, his face, he never had laid a hand on hers, never had called her by any name of love, never had kissed her or sought to do so.

And he was gone now, so absolutely that not even the image of him could remain had she ever owned an image of him.

She never had known him, and now never could.
Alas! Sim Gage, shall we say?
By no means.

Happy Sim Gage! For he passed at the climax of his life and took with him forever all he ever could have gained of delight and comfort.