The mention of Lady Gridborough had recalled the past, when he had been a favoured friend of the old lady's.
He knew that she thought him guilty of wronging Susie Morton; it was just possible that she had heard of the forged cheque.

He bit his lip with mortification and a dull anger, as the desire rose in him to go up to the Grange and clear himself.

But he could only do so by breaking the promise he had given to Heyton, by ruining Miriam's happiness.
He had suffered so much already for the sacrifice he had made, that it seemed to him an absolute waste of it to divulge the truth.

Once again, there was Miriam, whose life would be wrecked if her husband were exposed.

He must still remain silent, still bear the burden which he had taken upon his shoulders.