She sat down opposite them, at a rough oak table.
"A letter, Nelly!" said Marian.

"A letter! A letter from Marmaduke! I have extorted leave for you to read it.

Here it is.

Handle it carefully, pray." "Has he proposed ?" said Elinor, taking it.
Constance changed color.

Elinor opened the letter in silence, and read: My dear Constance: I hope you are quite well.