But had I been informed of it a few hours earlier--I think it is most probable--that something might have been hit on.

I certainly should have represented it to Edward in a very strong light.

'My dear fellow,' I should have said, 'consider what you are doing.

You are making a most disgraceful connection, and such a one as your family are unanimous in disapproving.' I cannot help thinking, in short, that means might have been found.

But now it is all too late.