If Mainwaring had been left in the position to explain his heart to Lucretia, it would not have been for Fielden to object; but to have a clandestine interview with one sister while betrothed to the other, bore in itself a character too equivocal to meet with the simple vicar's approval.
"What can you apprehend ?" exclaimed the young man, almost fiercely; for, harassed and tortured, his mild nature was driven to bay.

"Can you suppose that I shall encourage my own misery by the guilty pleadings of unavailing love?
All that I ask is the luxury--yes, the luxury, long unknown to me, of candour--to place fairly and manfully before Susan the position in which fate has involved me.

Can you suppose that we shall not both take comfort and strength from each other?
Our duty is plain and obvious; but it grows less painful, encouraged by the lips of a companion in suffering.

I tell you fairly that see Susan I will and must.

I will watch round her home, wherever it be, hour after hour; come what may, I will find my occasion.