"Unwisely," because he might have read Ralph's
character better than to suppose he would easily consent to any
diminution without good and sufficient reason being given; or without
some promise of compensating advantages in the future for the present
sacrifice asked from him. But perhaps Mr. Wilkins, dulled as he was by
wine thought he could allege a good and sufficient reason, for he said:
"You must not be hard upon me, Ralph. That promise was made
before--before I exactly knew the state of my affairs!"
"Before Dunster's disappearance, in fact," said Mr. Corbet, fixing his
steady, penetrating eyes on Mr. Wilkins's countenance.
"Yes--exactly--before Dunster's--" mumbled out Mr. Wilkins, red and
confused, and not finishing his sentence.
"By the way," said Ralph (for with careful carelessness of manner he
thought he could extract something of the real nature of the impending
disgrace from his companion, in the state in which he then was; and if he
only knew more about this danger he could guard against it; guard others;
perhaps himself)--"By the way, have you ever heard anything of Dunster
since he went off to--America, isn't it thought?"
He was startled beyond his power of self-control by the instantaneous
change in Mr. Wilkins which his question produced. Both started up; Mr.
Wilkins white, shaking, and trying to say something, but unable to form a
sensible sentence.
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