Thereupon a flood of light burst in upon the mind of the young barrister, and he trembled in every limb, when he thought of the manner in which he had been so long and so carelessly committing himself. He saw that there was no room for denial, unless accompanied with very copious explanation; and he actually feared, that no explanation which he could give would be sufficient to exonerate him from the charge of having trifled with Miss Henderson's feelings, and having severely interrupted her happiness. This was not an enviable state of mind for a young gentleman who was very anxious to preserve a high moral reputation, as well as to acquire a high intellectual reputation. He was perplexed beyond measure; and he was for some minutes unable to say a word in continuation, denial, or defence. But thinking it absolutely necessary to say something after the very decided manner in which Mr. Martindale had brought the matter home to him, he replied, "It is very true, sir, that I did accompany Miss Henderson several times to the Opera; but I am not at all aware that my attention was more taken up by the young lady than good manners absolutely required. I have a recollection that Miss Henderson did very frequently address herself to me on the subject of the performance, more frequently perhaps than was consistent with a proper attention to the stage, and of course I could do no less than reply: that was the substance of the attention which I paid to Miss Henderson in public. I am surprised to find that any one should from such circumstances have raised the story of my intention of marrying the young lady." "You may be as much surprised as you will; but the fact is, that the story comes from Miss Henderson herself, or at all events she has not denied it when it has been mentioned to her, and that is nearly the same." Markham knew that Mr. Martindale was not addicted to playing off practical jokes, and therefore he did not disbelieve what he said; and he was also aware that the old gentleman would not take up a story merely at random, without some good authority, therefore it appeared that the information was correct; and then, for the first time in his life, Markham began to think it possible that there were such beings as forward young ladies, and that all individuals of the sex were not equally difficult to woo and to win. All that he could do at present was to assure Mr. Martindale that Miss Henderson had formed an incorrect conclusion, and to take blame to himself for not having wisdom and attention to see before that which was now so very obvious. Mr. Martindale, however, who was a more experienced man than the young barrister, presently saw how the case stood, and pitied the unfortunate young man most sincerely.