I told him in so many words that he was deceiving himself, and that I could never marry him." "Plain enough, in all conscience! Having said that, surely you are not to blame.

What are you fretting about now ?" "Suppose my letter has never reached him ?" "Why should you suppose anything of the sort ?" "What I wrote required an answer, Lucy--_asked_ for an answer.

The answer has never come.

What is the plain conclusion?
My letter has never reached him.

And the _Atalanta_ is expected back! Richard Wardour is returning to England--Richard Wardour will claim me as his wife! You wondered just now if I really meant what I said.