Nevertheless, he felt that by what had now occurred he was bound more strongly against the marriage than he had ever been bound before.

His promise to his uncle might have been regarded as being obligatory only as long as his uncle lived.

His own decision he would have been at liberty to change when he pleased to do so.

But, though his aunt was almost nothing to him,--was not in very truth his aunt, but only the widow of his uncle, there had been a solemnity about the engagement as he had now made it with her, which he felt to be definitely binding.

He must go to Ardkill prepared to tell them absolutely the truth.