Still Lord Arleigh knew that he would approve of the marriage.

It was plain, however, that it would be better for it to take place while he was away from England, and then it would not, could not in any way compromise him.

A quiet marriage would not attract attention.
If he could only win Madeline's consent.

She had been so unwilling to promise him her friendship, and then so unwilling to hear that he loved her.

He could form no idea how she would receive the offer of marriage that he intended to make her.
That was why he wished to go alone.