I think that the most notable accomplishment of Emilia Pardo Bazan that makes her one of the most prominent Spanish novelists is her own way of contribution to feminism in literature. In her works, you can clearly see the idea of sexual equality, moreover, she proved that women are as strong and smart as men. These characteristics can be seen in her famous works ' Los pazos de Ulloa ("The House of Ulloa") and La madre naturaleza ("Mother Nature"). Also, she is considered a great writer due to her special descriptive tone in context of nature.
The setting which begins to answer your question is the sentence that begins "Most conversations between husband and wife ... " this is near the beginning.
The real core of your question comes with "This aloofness ... " which shows how he handles the disputes with his wife. This is followed by "He attained this by ... " which tells exactly how the aloofness came about. Finally he surrounds himself with people that insulate him from the fights he has will his wife. His bridge games probably insure that he does not have to talk to her.
Because it is used for serious things and that they understand they use it in the millitary