My offer was an honest one, and surely could only be construed as such even by the most malignant casuistry.

I could answer you, but it is too late, and it is not worth while.

To the mysterious menace of the last sentence, whatever its import may be--and I cannot pretend to unriddle it--I could hardly be very sensible even if I understood it, as, before it can take place, I shall be where "nothing can touch him further.".

.
.

I advise you, however, to anticipate the period of your intention, for, be assured, no power of figures can avail beyond the present; and if it could, I would answer with the Florentine:-- '"Ed io, che posto son con loro in croce.