He would cast away the useless life of the past; he would cease to be extravagant--his debts should be wiped off and never incurred again.

He would be honorable, true--a gentleman in every sense of the word--the girl who was lowly born, but whose heart was so patrician, and whose spirit was so loyal, should guide him in all things.
Captain Bertram had only one uncomfortable corner in his heart just then.

He had one little secret chamber which he kept locked, and into which, even in spirit, he never cared to enter.

Men, when they are turning over new leaves, often keep this little reserve-room of the past uncleaned, unpurified.

All else shall be swept and garnished, but this room, carefully locked, can reveal no secrets.