His intimacy with Seward was of that thorough kind which is engendered only out of such young and lasting friendship as had existed between them; but even to such a friend as this Mr. Grey could not open his whole heart. It was only to a friend who should also be his wife that he could do that,--as he himself thoroughly understood. He had felt that such a friend was wanting to him, and he had made the attempt.
"Don't speak of this as yet," he had said to Mr. Seward. "Of course when the matter is settled, those few people who know me must know it. But perhaps there may be a doubt as yet, and as long as there is a doubt, it is better that it should not be discussed."
He had said no more than this,--had imputed no blame to Alice,--had told none of the circumstances; but Seward had known that the girl had jilted his friend, and had made up his mind that she must be heartless and false. He had known also that his friend would never look for any other such companion for his home.

"Don't speak of this yet," he had said to Mr. Seward. "Of course when the matter is settled, people must know it. But as long as there is any doubt, it is better not discussed."
He had said no more than this; but Seward had known that the girl had jilted his friend, and had made up his mind that she must be heartless and false. He also knew that his friend would never look for any other wife.
