Of the first act he could never think without a burning cheek--a sense of mortification--a pang of wounded pride; and long ere this he had made up his mind that if Irene ever left him again, it would be for ever, so far as perpetuity depended on his action in the case.

He would never follow her nor seek to win her back.
Yes, he was in earnest.

He had made his mind up for the worst, and was acting with a desperate coolness only faintly imagined by Irene on receipt of his letter to her father.

Mr.Delancy, who understood Emerson's character better, was not deceived.

He took the communication in its literal meaning, and felt appalled at the ruin which impended.
Emerson passed the whole of Christmas day alone in his house.