However, he began prudently with a carefully premeditated speech.
"It is my duty, Marian," he said gravely, "to speak of the statement you made last night.

We need not allude to the painful scene which took place then: better let that rest and be forgotten as soon as possible.
But the discovery of what you have been doing without my knowledge has cost me a sleepless night and a great deal of anxiety.

I wish to reason with you now quite calmly and dispassionately; and I trust you will remember that I am older and have far more experience of the world than you, and that I am a better judge of your interests than you yourself can possibly be.

Ahem! I have been this morning to the City, where I saw Mr.Conolly, and endeavored to make him understand the true nature of his conduct toward me--and, I may add, toward you--in working his way clandestinely into an intimacy with you.

I shall not describe to you what passed; but I may say that I have found him to be a person with whom you could not hope for a day's happiness.