Perhaps, however, all the circumstances of this connection tend to increase my doubts.

It is humiliating to me to know that I woo clandestinely and upon sufferance; that I am stealing, as it were, into a fortune; that I am eating Sir Miles's bread, and yet counting upon his death; and this shame in myself may make me unconsciously unjust to Lucretia.

But it is useless to reprove me for what is past; and though I at first imagined you could advise me for the future, I now see, too clearly, that no advice could avail." "I grant that too; for all you require is to make up your mind to be fairly off with the old love, or fairly on with the new.

However, now you have stated your case thus frankly, if you permit me, I will take advantage of the strange chance of finding myself here, and watch, ponder, and counsel, if I can.

This Lucretia, I own it, puzzles and perplexes me; but though no Oedipus, I will not take fright at the sphinx.