He had never thought the question over clearly, but vaguely imagined that his wife had long suspected him of being unfaithful to her and was looking the other way. It even seemed to him that she, a worn-out, aged, no longer beautiful woman, not remarkable for anything, simple, merely a kind mother of a family, ought in all fairness to be indulgent. It turned out to be quite the opposite.

Summary

This quote depicts a character who had assumed that his wife had tolerated his infidelity due to her maturity and appearance. However, his perception is shattered when he realizes that she did not overlook his actions. The quote highlights the contrast between his expectations, based on his wife's perceived attributes, and the reality of her reaction. It suggests that assumptions and preconceived notions can often lead to misunderstandings and surprises in relationships.

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