If an enthusiastic, ardent, and ambitous man marry a wife on whose name there is a stain, which, though it originate in no fault of hers, may be visited by cold and sordid people upon her, and upon his children also: and, in exact proportion to his success in the world, be cast in his teeth, and made the subject of sneers against him: he may-no matter how generous and good his nature- one day repent of the connection he formed in early life; and she may have the pain and torture of knowing that he does so.

Summary

This quote reflects on the potential consequences an enthusiastic and successful man may face if he chooses to marry a woman with a tarnished reputation, though it is not her fault. The quote suggests that despite the man's positive qualities, he may eventually regret his decision due to the judgment and criticism he and his children could face from cold and judgmental people. This would create emotional pain for both of them, as the woman would have to live with the knowledge that her husband regrets their union.

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