You see how wisely I acted.

I have a scent for the prudent course.' They talked for a long time, but again chiefly of Milvain's affairs.
Reardon, indeed, cared little to say anything more about his own.

Talk was mere vanity and vexation of spirit, for the spring of his volition seemed to be broken, and, whatever resolve he might utter, he knew that everything depended on influences he could not even foresee..