John Ruskin became acquainted with his wife through a loan which he made to her father, and his noted generosity no doubt appealed to her and it seems that she married him more out of gratitude than actual love. Be that as it may, the fact remains that when Millais met her, he and she fell desperately in love with each other. Ruskin observed this. Ruskin loved his wife intensely, but he was not demonstrative. His heart was bowed down with a great sorrow, but he would not deny his wife that love which he could not enjoy himself. He willingly gave her freedom and released her from her marriage vows. He not only consented to the marriage with Millais, but acted as best man at their wedding. Congratulating them and bidding them a fond farewell, he remained a friend to them always, retiring to his home lonely and sad.