There were rencounters accidental and contrived, stealthy correspondence, sudden misgivings on one side, sudden self-reproaches on the other.

The inner state of the twain was one as of confused noise that would not allow the accents of calmer reason to be heard.

Determinations to go in this direction, and headlong plunges in that; dignified safeguards, undignified collapses; not a single rash step by deliberate intention, and all against judgment.
It was all that Melbury had expected and feared.

It was more, for he had overlooked the publicity that would be likely to result, as it now had done.

What should he do--appeal to Mrs.Charmond himself, since Grace would not?
He bethought himself of Winterborne, and resolved to consult him, feeling the strong need of some friend of his own sex to whom he might unburden his mind.
He had entirely lost faith in his own judgment.