The mind, under such circumstances, is like a horse that is brought to the water, but refuses to drink.

So Johnny returned to his home, still doubting whether or no he would answer Amelia's letter.

And if he did not answer it, how would he conduct himself on his return to Burton Crescent?
I need hardly say that Miss Roper, in writing her letter, had been aware of all this, and that Johnny's position had been carefully prepared for him by his affectionate sweetheart..