But Venna decided the "hidden life" brought her no satisfaction or comfort and gradually she drifted away from the Church.
Hadly took this opportunity to show his devotion at every turn.
Her aunt thought him about perfect and spoke in his praise continually.
Venna acquiesced in all she said, but for a long time refused to marry him. However, he had determined to win out and persisted constantly, asking no love of Venna in return for his.
At last her aunt's persuasions and Hadly's determination won out, and one year after her father's death, they were quietly married. Venna felt a certain satisfaction that she was delighting her aunt and also making happy the greatest friend she had known through her sorrow.
Many times she puzzled over the fact that her coldness did not worry Hadly at all. But she decided that men were unfathomable in their affections, and such devotion as his was certainly noble. She wished she could love him—perhaps some day she would.
She made all kinds of plans for her married life. Hadly had promised to let her work among the poor to her heart's content. No plan of hers ever met with the slightest objection, and her aunt continually reminded her what an ideal husband he was.
"But am I an ideal wife?" Venna asked doubtfully.
"Anyone should be glad to win you, dearie," was always her aunt's proud answer.
She longed to live in the old home, so Hadly, as usual, consented.