This disclosure would be of no benefit to Wortley.

It would rather operate injuriously than otherwise; yet it was endeavoured to be wrested from him by the heaviest menaces.

There he paused.
We were naturally inquisitive as to the scope of these menaces; but Mervyn entreated us to forbear any further discussion of this topic.

He foresaw the difficulties to which his silence would subject him.

One of its most fearful consequences would be the loss of our good opinion.