"A man ought really to be capable of exercising some self-control.

Poor Stella! And what will my wife say ?" He walked up and down the library, with Stella's disappointment and Lady Loring's indignation prophetically present in his mind.

There was, however, no help for it--he must accept his responsibility, and be the bearer of the bad news.
He was on the point of leaving the library, when a visitor appeared.
The visitor was no less a person than Romayne himself.

"Have I arrived before my letter ?" he asked eagerly.
Lord Loring showed him the letter.
"Throw it into the fire," he said, "and let me try to excuse myself for having written it.

You remember the happier days when you used to call me the creature of impulse?
An impulse produced that letter.