The protagonist reflects on a particular sentiment regarding his wife's desire to return to Boston. He believes that if she feels so strongly about it, she should take the initiative and go. However, he understands that her loyalty, rooted in spite, will likely keep her from making that move. This realization highlights the tensions and complexities within their relationship.

This insight reveals an underlying theme concerning the dynamics of loyalty and emotional attachment, especially among the Whiting men and their spouses. The notion of loyalty driven by spite suggests a deeper emotional struggle, illustrating how personal decisions are often influenced by familial patterns and the weight of expectations.