Were she to do so he would probably despise her, and tell her that he despised her;--but there might be a chance.

It was possible that such a declaration would bring him back to her;--and did it not bring him back to her she would only be where she was, a poor lost, shipwrecked creature, who had flung herself upon the rocks and thrown away her only chance of a prosperous voyage across the ocean of life; her only chance, for she was not like other girls, who at any rate remain on the scene of action, and may refit their spars and still win their way.

For there were to be no more seasons in London, no more living in Curzon Street, no renewed power of entering the ball-rooms and crowded staircases in which high-born wealthy lovers can be conquered.

A great prospect had been given to her, and she had flung it aside! That letter of retractation was, however, quite out of the question.
The reader must not suppose that she had ever thought that she could write it.

She thought of nothing but of coming misery and remorse.