"I don't know," he said, "whether I have to think of her
affections, but I do know I have to think of her dignity,
her confidence, and her belief in the honourable dealing
of a man whom she met under the sanction of a trusted
roof. The matter may look light here; it is serious there.
She has her circle of friends; they are acquainted with
her engagement. She has made all her arrangements to
carry it out; she has disposed of her life. I cannot ask
her to reconsider her lot because I have found a happier
adjustment for mine."
"Finlay," said Dr Drummond, "you will not be known in
Bross or anywhere else as a man who has jilted a woman.
Is that it?"
"I will not be a man who has jilted a woman."
"There is no sophist like pride. Look at the case on its
merits. On the one side a disappointment for Miss Cameron.
I don't doubt she's counting on coming, but at worst a
worldly disappointment. And the very grievous humiliation
for you of writing to tell her that you have made a
mistake. You deserve that, Finlay. If you wouldn't be a
man who has jilted a woman you have no business to lend
yourself to such matters with the capacity of a blind
kitten. That is the damage on the one side. On the other--"
"I know all that there is to be said," interrupted Finlay,
"on the other.
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