"And when I saw it," added Eleonora, "I felt I must never, never
bring him into it. And how could I tell him? Your mother does not
know, or she could not wish it!"

"It is plain that in the present state of things you ought not to
marry, and so far you are judging nobly," said Julius; "but next
comes the question--how far it is well to make that day at the races
the pretext?"

"Don't call it a pretext," said Lenore, quickly. "I meant what I
said a year ago, with all my soul. Perhaps it was hasty, when poor
Camilla drove me into saying I did not mean only an habitual
gambler, but one who had ever betted. And now, well as I know how
cruelly she used that presumptuous vow of mine, and how she repented
of it at last, still I feel that to fly in its face might be so
wrong, that I should have no right to expect not to drag Frank
down."

"Perhaps I am too much interested to judge fairly," said Julius. "I
should like you to consult some one--say Dr. Easterby--but it seems
to me that it is just such a vow as you may well be absolved from."

"But is it not Frank's protection?"

"Put yourself in that poor fellow's place, Lena, and see what it is
to him to be cast off for such a reason. He did the wrong, I know.
He knew he ought not, apart from your resolution, and he did thus
prove his weakness and unfitness--"

"Oh no, no--it was not his fault."

Julius laughed a little, and added, "I am not saying he deserves
you--hush!--or that it would be well to take him now, only that I
think to find himself utterly rejected for so insufficient a reason,
and when he was really deceived, would not only half kill him now,
but do his whole nature cruel harm."

"What is to be done then?" sighed Eleonora.

"I should say, and I think my mother would put him on some probation
if you like, even before you call it an engagement; but give him
hope. Let him know that your attachment is as true and unselfish as
ever, and do not let him brood in misery, enhanced by his deafness."

"I can't marry while poor papa is like what he is," said she, as if
trying to keep hold of her purpose.

"But you can be Frank's light and hope--the prize for which he can
work."

"If--your mother will have it so--then," said Eleonora, and the sigh
that followed was one to relieve, not exhaust.

"May I tell her then?"

"You must, I suppose," said the poor girl; "but she can never wish
it to go on!"

Julius left her at her own door and went home.