Do you suppose that, after what we did--what I admitted to you--that I could meet him as usual?
Do you think I am afraid of him ?" "I thought you were afraid of losing him," muttered Siward.
"I was, dreadfully.

And the morning after you and I had been imprudent enough to sit up until nearly daylight--and do what we did--I made him take a long walk with me, and I told him plainly that I cared for you, that I was too selfish and cowardly to marry you, and that if he couldn't endure the news he was at liberty to terminate the engagement without notice." "What did he say ?" stammered Siward.
"A number of practical things." "You mean to say he stands it!" "It appears so.

What else is there for him to do, unless he breaks the engagement ?" "And he--hasn't ?" "No.

I was informed that he held me strictly and precisely to my promise; that he would never release me voluntarily, though I was, of course, at liberty to do what I chose.

...