Many an accepted lover (both masculine and feminine) tries to make up for coldness of passion by warmness of affection: a subterfuge of dubious efficacy. For though
Affection seeks affection, passion is only appeased by passion. Yet
When one loves passionately, and the other languidly accepts, it is well perhaps for that other sometimes to be a little "unfaithful to the truth" (1) and to simulate an unfelt ardor. But, always this is of questionable value, for
Love abhors simulation of anything even of ardor.
(1) Tennyson, "Love and Duty".
* * *
If mutual confidence is not established at the moment of betrothal, it will never afterwards be established. And
Woeful will be the plight of those between whom mutual confidence is not then established. For
Mutual confidence is the only atmosphere in which love can breathe.
* * *