Of course he had not bound himself to any special mode of life;--but had he, in his present condition, allied himself more closely to Mrs.Smith, he would, to some extent, have thrown Dick over.

And then, as soon as he was on shore, he did feel somewhat ashamed of himself in regard to Mrs.Smith.Was it not manifest that any closer alliance, let the alliance be what it might, must be ruinous to him?
As it was, had he not made an absolute fool of himself with Mrs.Smith?
Had he not got himself already into a mess from which there was no escape?
Of course he must write to her when the month was over.

The very weight of his thoughts on this matter made him tamer with Dick and more observant than he would otherwise have been.
They were during those two days frequently about the town, looking at the various streets and buildings, at the banks and churches and gardens,--as is usual with young men when they visit a new town; but, during it all, Caldigate's mind was more intent on Mrs.Smith than he was on the sights of the place.

Melbourne is not so big but that she might easily have thrown herself in his way had she pleased.

Strangers residing in such a town are almost sure to see each other before twenty-four hours are gone.