But there was something in it that affected me strangely.

I had imagined the engagement an invention for the moment.

But after danger to me was past Sally would not have carried on a pretense, not even to win back Miss Sampson's respect.

The fact was, Sally meant that engagement.

If I did the right thing now I would not lose her.
But what was the right thing?
I was sorely perplexed and deeply touched.