But Florence did not show this letter to Fanny, claiming for it any need of godlike perfection.

It was a stupid, short letter, in which he declared that he was very busy and that his head ached.

In a postscript he told her that he was going to see Lady Ongar that evening.

This he communicated to her under an idea that by doing so he made everything right.

And I think that the telling of it did relieve his conscience.
He left the office soon after three, having brought himself to believe in the headache, and sauntered down to his club.