I can't imagine what has put such a preposterous idea into your head, or why it is that you shrink from improving your own chances with Mrs.
Branston." "You must not wonder at anything that I do or say, Gilbert.

It is my nature to do strange things--my destiny to take the wrong turning in life!" "When shall I see you again ?" Gilbert asked, when they were parting at the Temple gates.
"I can scarcely tell you that.

I must go back to Oxford to-morrow." "So soon ?" "Yes, my work gets on better down there.

I will let you know directly I return to London." On this they parted, Gilbert considerably mystified by his friend's conduct, but not caring to push his questions farther.

He had his own affairs to think of, that one business which absorbed almost the whole of his thoughts--the business of his search for the man who had robbed him of his promised wife, this interval, in which he remained inactive, devoting himself to the duties of his commercial life, was only a pause in his labours.