There were so many things he would have to say to her on the eve of this cruel separation.
He went down to Lidford one evening when all the arrangements for his voyage were complete, and he had two clear days at his disposal before the vessel he was to go in left Liverpool.

The Listers were very much surprised and shocked when he told them what he was going to do; Mrs.
Lister bitterly bewailing the insecurity of all commercial positions, and appearing to consider her brother on the verge of bankruptcy.
He found a warm welcome at the cottage from the Captain, who heartily approved of the course he was taking, and was full of hopefulness about the future.
"A few months more or less can make little difference," he said, when Gilbert was lamenting the postponement of his wedding.

"Marian will be quite safe in her old uncle's care; and I do not suppose either of you will love each other any the less for the delay.

I have such perfect confidence in you, Gilbert, you see; and it is such a happiness to me to know that my darling's future is in the hands of a man I can so thoroughly trust.

Were you reduced to absolute poverty, with the battle of life to fight all over again, I would give you my dear girl without fear of the issue.