It explains. And explanation is the true solvent of mystery.

It is true the pardon was granted with so many precautions and conclusions, especially as regarded the poor bridegroom, that, if delivered as it was received, verbatim et liberatim, Mrs. Palmer could not fail to be assured it would be rejected, not only by the gentleman, but the fond wife, who honoured not less than she loved him.

He becomes washen by washing away evil and wrong states.

If it isn't large, I certainly can't say it's small. But it's very something.