“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.

As Mrs. Poynsett said, she could expect nothing better of him.  “It is quite clear,” she said, “that poor Lena is right, that Frank must not set up housekeeping with him.  Even if he were certain to be proof against temptation, it would be as bad a connection as could be.  I never thought of his being with them; but I suppose there is nothing else to be done with him.”

“Frank ought not to be exposed to the trial.  The old man has a certain influence over him.”

“Though I should have thought such a hoary old wreck was nothing but a warning.  It has been a most unhappy affair from first to last; but Lena is a good, unselfish girl, and nothing else will give Frank a chance of happiness.  Waiting will do them no harm, they are young enough, and have no great sum to marry upon, so if you can bring her to me to-morrow, Julius, I will ask her to grant my poor boy leave to wait till she can see her way to marrying.”

Julius ventured to write down, ‘Hope on!’