It never occurred to her that perhaps he might refuse to let her go.

She felt quite sure that she would be free as soon as she had spoken the word which she intended to speak.

If she could speak it with decision she would be free, and to attain that decision she would school herself with her utmost strength.

At one moment she thought of telling all to her father and of begging him to break the matter to Mr Grey; but she knew that her father would not understand her, and that he would be very hostile to her,--saying hard, uncomfortable words, which would probably be spared if the thing were done before he was informed.

Nor would she write to Kate, whose letters to her at this time were full of wit at the expense of Mrs Greenow.