preposterously conventional; that is, desirous more than the ordinary run of women of being hedged about and guarded by ceremonies—­“mere ceremonies,” said Edward, forgetting the notion he entertained of women not so protected.  But it may be, that in playing the part of fool and coward, we cease to be mindful of the absolute necessity for sheltering the weak from that monstrous allied army, the cowards and the fools.  He admitted even to himself that he had deceived her, at the same time denouncing her unheard-of capacity of belief, which had placed him in a miserable hobble, and that was the truth.

Now, men confessing themselves in a miserable hobble, and knowing they are guilty of the state of things lamented by them, intend to drown that part of their nature which disturbs them by its outcry.  The submission to a tangle that could be cut through instantaneously by any exertion of a noble will, convicts them.  They had better not confide, even to their secret hearts, that they are afflicted by their conscience and the generosity of their sentiments, for it will be only to say that these high qualities are on the failing side.  Their inclination, under the circumstances, is generally base, and no less a counsellor than uncorrupted common sense, when they are in such a hobble, will sometimes advise them to be base.  But, in admitting the plea which common sense puts forward on their behalf, we may fairly ask them to be masculine in their baseness.  Or, in other words, since they must be selfish, let them be so without the poltroonery of selfishness.  Edward’s wish was to be perfectly just, as far as he could be now—­just to himself as well; for how was he to prove of worth and aid to any one depending on him, if he stood crippled?  Just, also, to his family; to his possible posterity; and just to Dahlia.  His task was to reconcile the variety of justness due upon all sides.  The struggle, we will assume, was severe, for he thought so; he thought of going to Dahlia and speaking the word of separation; of going to her family and stating his offence, without personal exculpation; thus masculine in baseness, he was in idea; but poltroonery triumphed, the picture of himself facing his sin and its victims dismayed him, and his struggle ended in his considering as to the fit employment of one thousand pounds in his possession, the remainder of a small legacy, hitherto much cherished.

A day later, Mrs. Lovell said to him:  “Have you heard of that unfortunate young man?  I am told that he lies in great danger from a blow on the back of his head.  He looked ill when I saw him, and however mad he may be, I’m sorry harm should have come to one who is really brave.  Gentle means are surely best.  It is so with horses, it must be so with men.  As to women, I don’t pretend to unriddle them.”

“Gentle means are decidedly best,” said Edward, perceiving that her little dog Algy had carried news to her, and that she was setting herself to fathom him.  “You gave an eminent example of it yesterday.  I was so sure of the result that I didn’t bet against you.”