Had he not promised Mr.Melleville and his wife to do this, it would certainly have been postponed for the present; perhaps altogether.
But his word was passed to both of them, and he felt that to defer the matter would be wrong.

So, an opportunity offering, he said-- "I believe, Mr.Jasper, that I shall have to leave you." "Leave me, Edward!" Mr.Jasper was taken altogether by surprise.

"What is the meaning of this?
You have expressed no dissatisfaction.

What is wrong ?" The position of Edward was a trying one.

He could not state the true reasons for wishing to leave his present situation, without giving great offence, and making, perhaps, an enemy.