But it is no good talking such stuff.

If you have a rival you may be sure it is some unmarried man." Owen reflected in his heart that on the whole he would rather it was a married one, since a married man, at any rate, could not legally take possession of Beatrice.

But Elizabeth's rigid morality alarmed him, and he did not say so.
"Do you know I feel a little upset, Miss Elizabeth," he answered.

"I think I will be going.

By the way, I promised to say nothing of this to your father.