And you never had my letter." "And what was in your letter, then ?" he asked coldly, standing with his arms folded, looking down at her.
"It was to tell you that I released you.

I love Raffles Haw, and I was to have been his wife.

And now it is all gone.

Oh, Hector, I hate you, and I shall always hate you as long as I live, for you have stepped between me and the only good fortune that ever came to me.

Leave me alone, and I hope that you will never cross our threshold again." "Is that your last word, Laura ?" "The last that I shall ever speak to you." "Then, good-bye.