He felt that by consulting with her, he could bring her to apprehend the common sense of the position, and be so far responsible for what he might do, that she would not dare to let her heart be rebellious toward him subsequently.

If he himself went to her it would look too much like pleading for her intercession.

The subtle directness of the woman's spirit had to be guarded against at every point.
He replied to Algernon,-- "What I did was on your behalf.

Oblige me by not interrogating me.

I give you my positive assurance that I encouraged no unmanly assault on him." "That'll do, that'll do," said Algernon, eager not to hear more, lest there should come an explanation of what he had heard.