He had sworn to her, and had also sworn to himself, that she should have no reason for distrusting him.

He had acknowledged most solemnly to himself that, whether for good or for ill, he was bound to her; and could it be that he was already calculating as to the practicability of disowning her?
In doing so must he not have told himself that he was a villain?
But in truth he made no such calculation.

His object was to banish the subject, if it were possible to do so; to think of some answer by which he might create a doubt.

It did not occur to him to tell the countess boldly that there was no truth whatever in the report, and that Miss Dale was nothing to him.

But might he not skilfully laugh off the subject, even in the presence of Lady Julia?
Men who were engaged did so usually, and why should not he?
It was generally thought that solicitude for the lady's feelings should prevent a man from talking openly of his own engagement.