"We return together, I presume?" said I in continuation.
"Wilson," answered Rupert, in a tone of kindness, "I have never deceived you yet; I will not deceive you now. Nor shall you suffer in any way from acts of mine. I cannot leave this place. It is not expedient that you should stay."
"Your leave of absence soon expires," I said.
"I shall not fail to be at my duty, Wilson," continued Sinclair. "But there is important business to do before I leave this city."
"You have entered, Rupert, into some rash engagement."
"Into an engagement—yes; not rashly, I believe; for I have held consultation with my heart—deep, earnest communings, that have sanctioned my fondest inclination."
"Beware, Sinclair!" I answered. "In some cases, the heart is no safe monitor; and inclination and conviction become convertible terms."
"You know my secret, Wilson."
"I can guess it."
"You saw her last night. I wished you to see her. I desired to hear from your lips a confirmation of the regard she has inspired in one"——