I have put this very gently to Mr.Crisparkle, for you know his self-denying ways; but still I have put it.

What I have laid much greater stress upon at the same time is, that I am engaged in a miserable struggle with myself, and that a little change and absence may enable me to come through it the better.
So, the weather being bright and hard, I am going on a walking expedition, and intend taking myself out of everybody's way (my own included, I hope) to-morrow morning.' 'When to come back ?' 'In a fortnight.' 'And going quite alone ?' 'I am much better without company, even if there were any one but you to bear me company, my dear Helena.' 'Mr.Crisparkle entirely agrees, you say ?' 'Entirely.

I am not sure but that at first he was inclined to think it rather a moody scheme, and one that might do a brooding mind harm.

But we took a moonlight walk last Monday night, to talk it over at leisure, and I represented the case to him as it really is.

I showed him that I do want to conquer myself, and that, this evening well got over, it is surely better that I should be away from here just now, than here.