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...