If I were a free man now, things have come to such a pass that she could not refuse me; while with her fortune (which I don't covet for itself) I should have a chance of satisfying an honorable ambition--a chance I have never had yet, and now never, never shall have, probably!" Melbury, his heart throbbing against the other's backbone, and his brain on fire with indignation, ventured to mutter huskily, "Why ?" The horse ambled on some steps before Fitzpiers replied, "Because I am tied and bound to another by law, as tightly as I am to you by your arm--not that I complain of your arm--I thank you for helping me.
Well, where are we?
Not nearly home yet ?...Home, say I.

It is a home! When I might have been at the other house over there." In a stupefied way he flung his hand in the direction of the park.

"I was just two months too early in committing myself.

Had I only seen the other first--" Here the old man's arm gave Fitzpiers a convulsive shake.

"What are you doing ?" continued the latter.