If he were, contrary to the tenor of his conversation, cunning and malignant, to apprize you of this, would be to place you in security.

If he were merely unfortunate and innocent, most readily would I espouse his cause; and if his intentions were upright with regard to you, most eagerly would I sanctify your choice by my approbation.
"It would be vain to call upon Carwin for an avowal of his deeds.

It was better to know nothing, than to be deceived by an artful tale.

What he was unwilling to communicate, and this unwillingness had been repeatedly manifested, could never be extorted from him.

Importunity might be appeased, or imposture effected by fallacious representations.