I have a right to this explanation, and I feel confident that it will be given to me.

You ask me what I truly believe Miss March meant by her message to you.

I answer that I do not know, but I intend to find out what she meant, and as soon as I do so, I will write to you.

I think, therefore, considering what you have asked me to do, and what you have written to me, about what I have done, that you cannot refuse to abstain from any further action in the matter, until I am enabled to answer you.

I cannot leave Washington immediately, but I shall go to Midbranch in a very few days." This letter was very far from being a categorical answer to Lawrence's questions, and it disappointed and somewhat annoyed that gentleman; but after he had read it for the second time, and carefully considered it, he put it in his pocket and said to himself, "This ends all discussion of this subject.