A few simple words would have been enough, but the recollection of all that I knew came back too quickly.

The conviction of his insincerity and injustice suddenly bewildered me with anger, keen in proportion to the desolation I had suffered.
"Sir," said I (we said "sir" for politeness in those days, my dear), loftily, coldly, and in utter despair, "I will take you at your word.
Let the promise between us be broken from this moment!" He heaved a great sigh, of relief, I thought, and being near the house we parted with much politeness.

Thus we put an end to our engagement.
Holy and indestructible I had believed it to be; but then I was an ignorant little fool.

People shake hands and say good-bye every day, and never dream of being so mad as to spoil to-morrow with tears.

As for me I did not wait for to-morrow.