and then stole into the quiet lane with quick steps.




CHAPTER IV.

GUY DARRELL'S VIEWS IN THE INVITATION TO WAIFE.

Lionel had but inadequately represented, for he could but imperfectly
comprehend, the profound impression made upon Guy Darrell by George
Morley's disclosures. Himself so capable of self-sacrifice, Darrell was
the man above all others to regard with an admiring reverence, which
partook of awe, a self-immolation that seemed almost above humanity--
to him who set so lofty an estimate on good name and fair repute. He had
not only willingly permitted, but even urged Lionel to repair to Waife
and persuade the old man to come to Fawley. With Waife he was prepared
to enter into the full discussion of Sophy's alleged parentage. But
apart even from considerations that touched a cause of perplexity which
disquieted himself, Darrell was eager to see and to show homage to the
sufferer, in whom he recognised a hero's dignity. And if he had sent by
Lionel no letter from himself to Waife, it was only because, in the
exquisite delicacy of feeling that belonged to him, when his best
emotions were aroused, he felt it just that the whole merit and the whole
delight of reparation to the wrongs of William Losely should, without
direct interposition of his own, be left exclusively to Charles
Haughton's son. Thus far it will be acknowledged that Guy Darrell was
not one of those men who, once warmed to magnanimous impulse, are cooled
by a thrifty prudence when action grows out of the impulses. Guy Darrell
could not be generous by drachin and scruple. Not apt to say, "I