How was he to do all this now, when he had already given an order to which obedience had been refused unless under certain stipulations,--an agreement with which would be degradation to him?
He had pointed out to his wife her duty, and she had said she would do her duty as pointed out, on condition that he would beg her pardon for having pointed it out! This he could not and would not do.

Let the heavens fall,--and the falling of the heavens in this case was a separation between him and his wife,--but he would not consent to such injustice as that! But what was he to do at this moment,--especially with reference to that note which he had destroyed.

At last he resolved to write to his wife, and he consequently did write and send to her the following letter:-- May 4.
DEAREST EMILY, If Colonel Osborne should write to you again, it will be better that you should not open his letter.

As you know his handwriting, you will have no difficulty in so arranging.

Should any further letter come from Colonel Osborne addressed to you, you had better put it under cover to me, and take no notice of it yourself.
I shall dine at the club to-day.