of the veriest toil and the most honorable career never wholly expunged
the blame which attached to him in both her mind and the minds of her
people. It was so foolish in him! One little speech, and long years of
bitter pride-wounding would have been averted. The young woman would
have married him, just as quickly, for it is easy to make terms before
marriage in this country. Do not promise to do things which depend more
on events than on yourself. Do not promise to love your future wife
always. She may prove unworthy of it. You may prove incapable of it.