For--and now for the _whole_ truth--although nothing can touch the character of one in my position, it would be worse than awkward for me to be spoken of in connection with the poor fellow's visits to the house: _my_ honesty would not be called in question as yours would, but what is dear to me as my honesty might--nay, it certainly would.

You see now why I came to you!--You must go to his wife, or, better still, to Mr.Helmer himself, and tell him what I have been saying to you.

He will at once see the necessity of disappearing for a while." Mary had listened attentively.

She could not help fearing that something worse than unpleasant might be at hand; but she did not believe in Sepia, and in no case could consent that Tom should compromise himself.

Danger of this kind must be met, not avoided.
Still, whatever could be done ought to be done to protect him, especially in his present critical state.