He should prefer to talk to Bartley first.

With him he should take a less hesitating line, and set her happiness above everything.

In short, he wrote cautiously.

He inwardly resolved to be on the spot very soon, whether Bartley wanted him or not; but he did not tell Mary this.
Mary was disappointed.

"How kind and wise he is!" she said to Julia--"too wise." Next Wednesday morning Mary Bartley rode to Mrs.Gilbert, and was received by her with courtesy, but with a warm embrace by Mrs.
Easton.