Again at Babington The affair of Julia Babington had been made to him in set terms, and had, if not accepted, not been at once refused.

No doubt this had occurred four years ago, and, if either of them had married since, they would have met each other without an unpleasant reminiscence.

But they had not done so, and there was no reason why the original proposition should not hold good.

After escaping from Babington he had, indeed, given various reasons why such a marriage was impossible.

He had sold his inheritance.