He met a lady who had been intimate with both himself and P.in early days, and, finding she had seen the latter abroad, asked if she knew the circumstances of the marriage.
"'The circumstances of the act which sealed the misery of our friend, I know,' she said, 'though as much in the dark as any one about the motives that led to it.
"'We were quite intimate with P.in London, and he was our most delightful companion.

He was then in the full flower of the varied accomplishments which set off his fine manners and dignified character, joined, towards those he loved, with a certain soft willingness which gives the desirable chivalry to a man.

None was more clear of choice where his personal affections were not touched, but where they were, it cost him pain to say no, on the slightest occasion.

I have thought this must have had some connection with the mystery of his misfortunes.
"'One day he called on me, and, without any preface, asked if I would be present next day at his marriage.

I was so surprised, and so unpleasantly surprised, that I did not at first answer a word.