She was married, true; but if one's husband was always sailing round Cape Horn, was it marriage? If one liked him, was it marriage? If one liked other people, was it marriage? And finally, if one still wished, more than anything in the whole world, to write poetry, was it marriage? She had her doubts.

Summary

This quote explores the idea of questioning the true nature of marriage based on various factors. The speaker questions whether it can be considered a marriage if the husband is frequently absent due to work travels, if there is a lack of affection between the couple, if one has an inclination towards other people, and ultimately if one's personal passions and desires are compromised. It highlights the speaker's doubt and suggests that fulfilling personal aspirations may be an important aspect in determining the authenticity of a marriage.

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