There's no call for you to be frightened, Lettie--but what I've got to say is serious.

And I'll put it straight--Bent'll understand.

Now, you'd arranged to get married next spring--six months hence.

I want you to change your minds, and to let it be as soon as you can." He looked with a certain eager wistfulness at Lettie, expecting to see her start with surprise.

But fond as he was of her, Cotherstone had so far failed to grasp the later developments of his daughter's character.
Lettie Cotherstone was not the sort of young woman who allows herself to be surprised by anything.