not

cleared up yet. She may never cross my path again, but if ever she crosses yours, make better use of the opportunity, Miss Halcombe, than I made of it. I speak on strong conviction⁠—I entreat you to remember what I say.” These are his own expressions. There is no danger of my forgetting them⁠—my memory is only too ready to dwell on any words of Hartright’s that refer to Anne Catherick. But there is danger in my keeping the letter. The merest accident might place it at the mercy of strangers. I may fall ill⁠—I may die. Better to burn it at once, and have one anxiety the less.