It is true that Merton, who was no profligate, advised him to quit all pursuit of Isabel; but then the advice was precisely of that character which, if it deadens love, stimulates passion.

By representing Isabel as one who sought to play a part with him, he excused to Glyndon his own selfishness,--he enlisted the Englishman's vanity and pride on the side of his pursuit.

Why should not he beat an adventuress at her own weapons?
Glyndon not only felt indisposed on that day to meet Zicci, but he felt also a strong desire to defeat the mysterious prophecy that the meeting should take place.

Into this wish Merton readily entered.

The young men agreed to be absent from Naples that day.