In the first place, he had ill-treated Joe Green, and had made a fool of himself in his friend's presence.

As Joe Green was a sensible, kind-hearted fellow, this did not much signify;--but not on that account did he omit to tell himself of his own fault.

Then he discovered that it would ill become him to break his word to Mr.
Amedroz and to his daughter, and to do so without a word of excuse, because Clara had exercised a right which was indisputably her own.
He had undertaken certain work at Belton which required his presence, and he would go down and do his work as though nothing had occurred to disturb him.

To remain away because of this misfortune would be to show the white feather.

It would be unmanly.