Absence makes my chance slight indeed, but I do not despair.

She so evidently enjoys a defensive warfare, wherein it is the besiegers who capitulate, that she may maintain it until my exile abroad is over.

This is to my mind a more rational interpretation of her freedom than that she is waiting for me; and thus I reveal to you that modesty is my most prominent trait.

She may be married before I see her again; and should this prove to be the case I will show you what a model of heroic equanimity I can be." Madge read this letter with a sigh of intense relief, and was not long in resolving that when he came again she would enter the lists with Miss Wildmere and do what her nature permitted before her chance of happiness passed irrevocably.

Graydon's letter kindled her hope greatly.