If--but there was no good in contemplating ifs--what he had to do was to think clearly as to what would be the wisest course to secure his darling's happiness.

That must be his first consideration.

After that, he must face his own cruel fate with what courage he could command.
Her happiness could only come through the divorce proceedings being stopped at once, and in her being free to go back to the man whom she loved.

Then the aspect that Michael had been willing to do a really fine thing for the sake of friendship struck him--perhaps he was worthy of Sabine, after all; and they were young and absolutely suited to one another.

No, the wickedness would have been if he, whose youth had passed, had claimed her and come between.