The Professor was not enjoying his fortnight in London, and almost tugged his silver beard out while he smoked innumerable pipes.

He had come to some conclusions.
John Derringham having been unable to keep the tryst with Halcyone was plainly the working of the hand of Fate, which did not intend that his sweet girl should occupy the invidious and humiliating position of secret wife and apparent mistress to the ambitious young man.

Therefore he--Arnold Carlyon--had no right to assist her again into John Derringham's arms.

They must both suffer and work out their destinies however cruel that might seem.
"If John really feels she is a necessity, he will brave everything and marry her openly as soon as he is well.

If he does not--then I will not assist her into a life of misery and disillusion." He remembered a talk they had had long ago, when his old pupil had given his views about women and their place in the scheme of things.