Ernest did not ask her to write to him; in fact, he felt, at such an hour, a repugnance to disclose his real name, and receive the letters of clandestine love in the house in which a father lay in death.

He might have given the feigned address he had previously assumed, at some distant post-town, where his person was not known.

But, then, to obtain such letters, he must quit his father's side for hours.

The thing was impossible.

These difficulties Maltravers did not explain to Alice.
She thought it singular he did not wish to hear from her; but Alice was humble.