Trevanion was, of all others, the most suitable for this purpose; and I felt no embarrassment in opening my mind freely to him upon subjects which, but twenty-four hours previous, I could not have imparted to a brother.
There is no such unlocker of the secrets of the heart as the possibly near approach of death.

Indeed, I question if a great deal of the bitterness the thought of it inspires, does not depend upon that very circumstance.

The reflection that the long-treasured mystery of our lives (and who is there without some such ?) is about to become known, and the secret of our inmost heart laid bare, is in itself depressing.

Not one kind word, nor one remembrancing adieu, to those we are to leave for ever, can be spoken or written, without calling up its own story of half-forgotten griefs or, still worse, at such a moment, of happiness never again to be partaken of.
"I cannot explain why," said I to Trevanion, "but although it has unfortunately been pretty often my lot to have gone out on occasions like this, both as principal and friend, yet never before did I feel so completely depressed and low-spirited--and never, in fact, did so many thoughts of regret arise before me for much of the past, and sorrow for the chance of abandoning the future"-- "I can understand," said Trevanion, interrupting--"I have heard of your prospect in the Callonby family, and certainly, with such hopes, I can well conceive how little one would be disposed to brook the slightest incident which could interfere with their accomplishment; but, now that your cousin Guy's pretensions in that quarter are at an end, I suppose, from all I have heard, that there can be no great obstacle to yours." "Guy's pretensions at an end! For heaven's sake, tell me all you know of this affair--for up to this moment I am in utter ignorance of every thing regarding his position among the Callonby family." "Unfortunately," replied Trevanion, "I know but little, but still that little is authentic--Guy himself having imparted the secret to a very intimate friend of mine.

It appears, then, that your cousin, having heard that the Callonbys had been very civil to you in Ireland, and made all manner of advances to you--had done so under the impression that you were the other nephew of Sir Guy, and consequently the heir of a large fortune--that is, Guy himself--and that they had never discovered the mistake during the time they resided in Ireland, when they not only permitted, but even encouraged the closest intimacy between you and Lady Jane.