And then it might be, he reflected, that his cousin's answer would throw some light on Mary Garland's present vision of things.

In his altered mood he added these few lines:-- "I unburdened myself the other day of this monstrous load of perplexity; I think it did me good, and I let it stand.

I was in a melancholy muddle, and I was trying to work myself free.

You know I like discussion, in a quiet way, and there is no one with whom I can have it as quietly as with you, most sagacious of cousins! There is an excellent old lady with whom I often chat, and who talks very much to the point.
But Madame Grandoni has disliked Roderick from the first, and if I were to take her advice I would wash my hands of him.

You will laugh at me for my long face, but you would do that in any circumstances.