She had written to him many times, at first only imploring him to meet her, but afterwards telling him she knew what had happened, and entreating him to put her out of suspense, to send her one line that his life was not endangered.

She had received no answer to any of her letters.

She came to the conclusion that they had been intercepted by Lord Newhaven, and that no doubt the same fate had befallen Hugh's letters to herself.
For some time past, before the drawing of lots, she had noticed that Hugh's letters had become less frequent and shorter in length.

She understood the reason now.

Half of them had been intercepted.