In "The Chrysanthemums," how is Elisa's and Henry's marriage?

Elisa and Henry have a solid relationship.  They are both hardworking and "strong" people.  Their relationship, while not really discussed, seems a little stiff.  They decide to go out to dinner together that evening, and when Henry sees his wife dressed up he tells her she "looks nice."  She doesn't know how to take this complement and becomes defensive.  Henry knows Elisa is "waiting for something" but he doesn't know what to say.  Over all these two people live from day to day loving each other, depending on each other, but not really understanding each other.