It was only requisite for my understanding clearly to discern, to be convinced of the insuperability of this obstacle.

It was manifest, therefore, that the point to which my wishes tended was placed beyond my reach.
To foster my passion was to foster a disease destructive either of my integrity or my existence.

It was indispensable to fix my thoughts upon a different object, and to debar myself even from her intercourse.

To ponder on themes foreign to my darling image, and to seclude myself from her society, at hours which had usually been spent with her, were difficult tasks.

The latter was the least practicable.