There was no indecision, whatever, in regard to the new love; the only question was: "What is to be done about the old one ?" Lawrence could not admit, for a moment, that he could have spoken to Roberta March as he had spoken, if he had not loved her; but he could now perceive that that love had been in no small degree impaired and weakened by the manner of its acceptance.

The action of Miss March on her last day here had much more chilled his ardor than her words on Pine Top Hill.

He had not, before, examined thoroughly into the condition of that ardor after the departure of the lady, but it was plain enough now.
There was, therefore, no doubt whatever in regard to his love for Miss March; he was quite ready and able to lay that aside.

But what about her acceptance of it?
How could he lay that aside?
This was the real case before the court.

The witnesses could give no available testimony, the lawyers argued feebly, the jury disagreed, and Lawrence, in his capacity of judge, dismissed the case.