Undoubtedly, had he satisfied himself that Alice's happiness demanded such a sacrifice of himself, he would have made it, and made it without a word of complaint.

The blow would not have prostrated him, but the bruise would have remained on his heart, indelible, not to be healed but by death.

He would have submitted, and no man would have seen that he had been injured.

But it did not once occur to him that such a proceeding on his part would be beneficial to Alice.

Without being aware of it, he reckoned himself to be the nobler creature of the two, and now thought of her as of one wounded, and wanting a cure.
Some weakness had fallen on her, and strength must be given to her from another.