But the task was difficult, and the position in which the young man found himself particularly embarrassing.

His thoughts were not with Miss Arden, but with Mrs.
Dexter.

Before the unexpected meeting at Newport, he had believed himself so far released from that entanglement of the heart, as to be free to make honorable advances to Miss Arden.

But he saw his error now.

With him marriage was something more than a good matrimonial arrangement, in which parties secure external advantages.