But on this point his conscience interfered,--backed by his wishes,--and he made his resolve as has been above stated.

On leaving Mr.Green's chambers he went to his own lodgings, and wrote his letter, as follows:-- Mount Street, December, 186--.
DEAREST CLARA, When you parted from me at Perivale you said certain things about our engagement which I have come to understand better since then, than I did at the time.
It escaped from me that my dear aunt and I had had some conversation about you, and that I had told her what was my intention.

Something was said about a promise, and I think it was that word which made you unhappy.

At such a time as that, when I and my aunt were talking together, and when she was, as she well knew, on her deathbed, things will be said which would not be thought of in other circumstances.

I can only assure you now, that the promise I gave her was a promise to do that which I had previously resolved upon doing.