"No; you have not been in blame. I tell you honestly that I can lay
no blame at your door. At the age you were then, it was impossible
that you should know your own mind. And even had your promise to him
been of a much more binding nature, his subsequent conduct, and your
mother's remonstrance, as well as your own age, would have released
you from it without any taint of falsehood. He knew all this as well
as I do; and I am surprised that he should have forced his way into
your mother's house with the mere object of causing you
embarrassment."

It was marvellous how well Herbert Fitzgerald could lay down the law
on the subject of Clara's conduct, and on all that was due to her,
and all that was not due to Owen. He was the victor; he had gained
the prize; and therefore it was so easy for him to acquit his
promised bride, and heap reproaches on the head of his rejected
rival. Owen had been told that he was not wanted, and of course
should have been satisfied with his answer. Why should he intrude
himself among happy people with his absurd aspirations? For were
they not absurd? Was it not monstrous on his part to suppose that he
could marry Clara Desmond?

It was in this way that Herbert regarded the matter. But it was not
exactly in that way that Clara looked at it. "He did not force his
way in." she said. "He wrote to ask if we would see him; and mamma
said that she thought it better."

"That is forcing his way in the sense that I meant it; and if I find
that he gives further annoyance I shall tell him what I think about
it. I will not have you persecuted."