I have
been past redemption for the last ten years, ever since I left Oxford.
Nothing but a rich marriage will ever set me straight; and I sometimes
doubt if that game is worth the candle, and whether it would not be
better to make a clean sweep of my engagements, offer up my name to the
execration of mankind and the fiery indignation of solvent
journalists,--who would find subject for sensation leaders in my
iniquities,--emigrate, and turn bushranger. A wild free life in the
wilderness must be a happy exchange for all the petty worries and
perplexities of this cursed existence."
"And how about Mrs. Branston, John? By the way, I thought that she might
have had something to do with your sudden journey to London."
"No; she had nothing to do with it. I have not seen her since I came back
from Lidford."
"Indeed!"
"No. Your lecture had a potent effect, you see," said Mr. Saltram, with
something of a sneer. "You have almost cured me of that passion."
"My opinion would have very little influence if you were far gone, John.
The fact is, Mrs. Branston, pretty and agreeable as she may be, is not
the sort of woman to acquire any strong hold upon you."
"You think not?"
"I am sure of it."
After this John Saltram became more expansive. They sat together until
late in the night, talking chiefly of the past, old friends, and
half-forgotten days; recalling the scenes through which they had
travelled together with a pensive tenderness, and dwelling regretfully
upon that careless bygone time when life was fresh for both of them, and
the future seemed to lie across the straightest, easiest high-road to
reputation and happiness.
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