With abrupt gravity, and in a subdued voice, she at length inquired the result of Rolfe's delicate mission.
'I think,' he replied, 'that I made known your wish as clearly and urgently as possible.

I have seen Mrs.Abbott, and written to her twice.

It will be best, perhaps, if I ask you to read her final letter.
I have her permission to show it to you.' He drew the letter from its envelope, and with a nervous hand Mrs Frothingham took it for perusal.

Whilst she was thus occupied, Rolfe averted his eyes; when he knew that she had read to the end, he looked at her.

She had again sighed, and Harvey could not help imagining it an involuntary signal of relief.
'I am very glad to have read this, Mr.Rolfe.If you had merely told me that Mrs.Abbott refused, I should have felt nothing but pain.