Soames continually contemplates what is wrong with his marriage, but he doesn't really talk it over with his wife. We know that Irene married Soames only after he had worn her down, and now, apparently, she has decided to suffer in silence. That's my impression so far. She seems so aloof, but I suppose she has her hidden desires and needs. It was very touching to read of her nuzzling the kitten, and she stuck up for Bosinney.

She seems so self-isolated, but Soames wants to further isolate her (and doesn't this sound like a scene from MP): "To get Irene out of London, away from opportunities of going about and seeing people, away from her friends and those who put ideas into her head!..." Of course, this book is so full of complexities and contradictions, because James accuses Irene: "You don't seem to care about going about. Why don't you drive down to Hurlingham with us? And go to the theatre now and then. At your time of life you ought to take an interest in things..."