If he talked to himself of love, if he were ever to acknowledge to himself that love was to have sway over him, then must Lucy Morris be the mistress of his heart.

He had come to know enough about himself to be aware of that;--but he knew also that he had said nothing binding him to walk in that path.

It was quite open to him to indulge a discreet ambition without dishonour.
Therefore he also had come to call upon the beautiful widow.

The courtship with her he knew need not be long.

He could ask her to marry him to-morrow,--as for that matter to-day,--without a feeling of hesitation.