That was a thing settled.

And he was perfectly satisfied with himself in that he had done nothing in a hurry, and could accuse himself of no folly even if he had no great cause for triumph.

He had been long thinking that he should like to have Clara Amedroz for his wife;--long thinking that he would ask her to marry him; and having for months indulged such thoughts he could not take blame to himself for having made to his aunt that deathbed promise which she had exacted.

At the moment in which she asked him the question he was himself anxious to do the thing she desired of him.

How then could he have refused her?
And, having given the promise, it was a matter of course with him to fulfil it.