It seemed that by doing so he would cut himself off at once from all pleasure at such houses as Courcy Castle; and, as he argued to himself, why should he not enjoy the little remnant of his bachelor life?
As to his denying his engagement to John de Courcy,--that was nothing.

Any one would understand that he would be justified in concealing a fact concerning himself from such a one as he.

The denial repeated from John's mouth would amount to nothing,--even among John's own sisters.
But now it was necessary that Crosbie should make up his mind as to what he would say when questioned by the ladies of the house.

If he were to deny the fact to them the denial would be very serious.

And, indeed, was it possible that he should make such denial with Lady Julia opposite to him?
Make such a denial! And was it the fact that he could wish to do so,--that he should think of such falsehood, and even meditate on the perpetration of such cowardice?
He had held that young girl to his heart on that very morning.