But there would have to be reference to his own father, who had no notion of the whole affair, and would be sure to treat it as a boyish fancy; as if at twenty-one Ralph was not a man, as clear and deliberative in knowing his own mind, as resolute as he ever would be in deciding upon the course of exertion that should lead him to independence and fame, if such were to be attained by clear intellect and a strong will.
No; to Mr.Wilkins he would not speak for another year or two.
But should he tell Ellinor in direct terms of his love--his intention to marry her?
Again he inclined to the more prudent course of silence.

He was not afraid of any change in his own inclinations: of them he was sure.

But he looked upon it in this way: If he made a regular declaration to her she would be bound to tell it to her father.

He should not respect her or like her so much if she did not.

And yet this course would lead to all the conversations, and discussions, and references to his own father, which made his own direct appeal to Mr.Wilkins appear a premature step to him.
Whereas he was as sure of Ellinor's love for him as if she had uttered all the vows that women ever spoke; he knew even better than she did how fully and entirely that innocent girlish heart was his own.