What I said to you was God's truth; but it was spoken without thought at the moment.

I have thought of it much since;--and now I write to ask you to be my wife.

I have lived for the last year or two with this hope before me; and now-- Dear, dear Lucy, I will not write in too great confidence; but I will tell you that all my happiness is in your hands.
If your answer is what I hope it may be, tell Lady Fawn at once.

I shall immediately write to Bobsborough, as I hate secrets in such matters.

And if it is to be so,--then I shall claim the privilege of going to Fawn Court as soon and as often as I please.
Yours ever and always,--if you will have me,-- F.G.
He sat for an hour at his desk, with his letter lying on the table, before he left his chambers,--looking at it.