He had never told his friend anything of Ida's earlier history; but now he felt half-tempted to let him know everything.

To do so, might possibly give him that additional motive to a clear and speedy decision in the difficulties which grew ever more pressing.

Yet was it just to Ida to speak of these things even to one who would certainly not repeat a word?
Once or twice he all but began, yet in the end a variety of motives kept him silent.
"Well," he exclaimed shortly, "we'll talk about this another time.
Perhaps I shall have more to tell you.

Don't be gloomy.

Look, here I am just upon the end of my novel.