I first persuaded her to quit the path of duty[II-B]--I, of all men who live, am bound to protect her from the misery--from the guilt--which must attach to her as this man's wife.

I will never believe that she wishes it--I will never believe, that in calm mind and sober reason, she can be brought to listen to such a guilty proposal .-- But her mind--alas!--is not of the firm texture it once could boast; and your friend knows well how to press on the spring of every passion that can agitate and alarm her.
Threats of exposure may extort her consent to this most unfitting match, if they do not indeed drive her to suicide, which I think the most likely termination.

I will, therefore, be strong where she is weak .-- Your friend, sir, must at least strip his proposals of their fine gilding.

I will satisfy Mr.Mowbray of St.Ronan's of his false pretences, both to rank and fortune; and I rather think he will protect his sister against the claim of a needy profligate, though he might be dazzled with the alliance of a wealthy peer." "Your cause, sir, is not yet won," answered Jekyl; "and when it is, your brother will retain property enough to entitle him to marry a greater match than Miss Mowbray, besides the large estate of Nettlewood, to which that alliance must give him right.

But I would wish to make some accommodation between you if it were possible.