"I understand it all, and see it as a great outrage.

Hartley knows as well I do that I left as much in sport as in earnest.

But this is carrying the joke too far.

To write such a letter to you! Why didn't he write to me?
Why didn't he ask me to appoint a friend to represent me in the arrangement proposed ?" "He understood himself and the case entirely," replied Mr.Delancy.
"Believing that you had abandoned him--" "He didn't believe any such thing!" exclaimed Irene, in strong excitement.
"You are deceiving yourself, my daughter.

His letter is calm and deliberate.