We already anticipated the shock which the discovery of his unworthiness would produce.
In a half-hour Mervyn returned.

His embarrassment had given place to dejection.

He was always serious, but his features were now overcast by the deepest gloom.

The anxiety which I felt would not allow me to hesitate long.
"Arthur," said I, "something is the matter with you.

Will you not disclose it to us?
Perhaps you have brought yourself into some dilemma out of which we may help you to escape.