They have decided that I am not good enough, after all.

They have taken back their word.

Since you insist, there it is!" Valentin gave a sort of groan, lifted his hands a moment, and then let them drop.
"I am sorry not to have anything better to tell you about them," Newman pursued.

"But it's not my fault.

I was, indeed, very unhappy when your telegram reached me; I was quite upside down.