Then, without hint from me, she perceived the significance of the Fenimores' retirement from Wellingsford.
"Leonard's ignorance," she said, "leaves him in a frightful position.
More than ever he ought to know." "He ought, indeed, my dear," said I."And I will tell him.

I ought to have done so before." I gave my undertaking.

I went to bed upbraiding myself for cowardice and resolved to go to Boyce the next day.

Not only Fate, but honour and decency forced me to the detested task.
Alas! Next morning I was nailed to my bed by my abominable malady.

The attacks had become more frequent of late.