I knew of no other expedient than to confess to him the truth with regard to Clavering, and explain to him the dilemma in which my adherence to my promise had involved me.
I found him on my return home, and delivered him the letter with which I was charged.

At the sight of it, surprise, mingled with some uneasiness, appeared in his looks.

"What!" said he, in a tone of disappointment, "you then saw the lady ?" I now remembered his directions to leave my message at the door, and apologized for my neglecting them by telling my reasons.

His chagrin vanished, but not without an apparent effort, and he said that all was well; the affair was of no moment.
After a pause of preparation, I entreated his attention to something which I had to relate.

I then detailed the history of Clavering and of my late embarrassments.