she knew herself well enough to be sure that whether
married or single she would go with him. Though
her reason might be ever so strong in bidding her to
desert him, her heart, she knew, would be stronger
than her reason. He was the one thing in the
world that overpowered her. In all other matters
she could scheme, and contrive, and pretend; could
get the better of her feelings and fight the world
with a double face, laughing at illusions and telling
herself that passions and preferences were simply
weapons to be used. But her love for her son
mastered her,—and she knew it. As it
was so, could it be fit that she should marry another
man?
And then her liberty! Even though Felix should bring her to utter ruin, nevertheless she would be and might...