“I met Mrs. Jennings in Bond Street,” said he, after the first salutation, “and she encouraged me to come on; and I was the more easily encouraged, because I thought it probable that I might find you alone, which I was very desirous of doing. My object⁠—my wish⁠—my sole wish in desiring it⁠—I hope, I believe it is⁠—is to be a means of giving comfort;⁠—no, I must not say comfort⁠—not present comfort⁠—but conviction, lasting conviction to your sister’s mind. My regard for her, for yourself, for your mother⁠—will you allow me to prove it, by relating some circumstances which nothing but a very sincere regard⁠—nothing but an earnest desire of being useful⁠—I think I am justified⁠—though where so many hours have been spent in convincing myself that I am right, is there not some reason to fear I may be wrong?” He stopped.