Evan fell into bitter laughter at the idea of Rose glancing over his shoulder and asking him what nine of him to a man meant.

He heard her clear voice pursuing him.
He could not get away from the mocking sound of Rose beseeching him to instruct her on that point.

How if the letter were genuine?
He began to abhor the sight and touch of the paper, for it struck division cold as death between him and his darling.

He saw now the immeasurable hopes his residence at Beckley had lured him to.

Rose had slightly awakened him: this letter was blank day to his soul.