"He stayed another night. Good-bye; I must go."
"Wait a moment," urged Dormer. "I want you to read that." And he tossed a letter across the table.
"From Habington," remarked Tristram, taking it up. "What has he got to say?"
"You read it and see," persisted Dormer. "I wish someone would tell me what to say. I haven't the knack of writing to people in his interesting situation."
Tristram read the letter as desired, Dormer studying him the while. Something had happened!
"Habington engaged to be married!" exclaimed Tristram. "Well, I must say I am surprised. I thought he was a convert to your celibate views."
"I thought so once too, but, apart from Froude, and perhaps Newman, I intend to believe in no man's constancy in future."
"You're very fierce, Charles!"
"Well, I am disappointed. Habington was doing good work here in Oxford; now he must give up his Fellowship at Trinity and be a family man in a country parsonage. He will do good and be an example whereever he is, but he cannot be what he might have been."
"Then," said Tristram slowly, "if I marry after I take Orders I shall not be what I might have been?"