He faltered in his studies, and once again had lost the motive to exertion.

Then came the letter from his mother, telling of Adela's rumoured engagement.

It caused him to set forth almost immediately.
The alternation of moods exhibited in his conversation with Mr.Wyvern continued to agitate him during the night.

Now it seemed impossible to approach Adela in any way; now he was prepared to defy every consideration in order to save her and secure his own happiness.

Then, after dwelling for awhile on the difficulties of his position, he tried to convince himself that once again he had been led astray after beauty and goodness which existed only in his imagination, that in losing Adela he only dismissed one more illusion.