a class of men which on the whole is the more numerous of the two, who
are tremblingly alive to the danger of censure on this head--and to the
danger of censure not only from others but from themselves also. Major
Grantly had done that which made him think it imperative upon him to do
something further, and do that something at once.

Therefore he started off on the Monday morning after breakfast and
walked into Silverbridge, and as he walked he built various castles in
the air. Why should he not marry Grace--if she would have him--and take
her away beyond the reach of her father's calamity? Why should he not
throw over his own people altogether, money, position, society, and all,
and give himself up to love? Were he to do so, men might say that he was
foolish, but no one could hint that he was dishonourable. His spirit was
high enough to teach him to think that such conduct on his part would
have in it something of magnificence; but, yet, such was not his
purpose. In going to Miss Prettyman it was his intention to apologise
for not doing this magnificent thing. His mind was quite made up.
Nevertheless he built castles in the air.

It so happened that he encountered the younger Miss Prettyman in the
hall. It would not at all have suited him to reveal to her the purport
of his visit, or ask her to assist his suit or receive his apologies.
Miss Anne Prettyman was too common a personage in the Silverbridge world
to be fit for such employment. Miss Anne Prettyman was, indeed, herself
submissive to him, and treated him with the courtesy which is due to a
superior being. He therefore simply asked her whether he could be
allowed to see her sister.

'Surely, Major Grantly;--that is, I think so. It is a little early, but
I think she can receive you.'