"He seems to think--Well, I must say it sounds reasonable enough since he can't get back at present; but you will see for yourself." A little tremor went through Nan as she opened the letter.

With frowning brows she perused it.
It did not take long to read.

The thick, upright writing was almost arrogantly distinct, recalling the writer with startling vividness.
He had written with his accustomed brevity, but there was much more than usual in his letter.

He saw no prospect, so he told her, of being able to leave the country for some time to come.

Affairs were unsettled, and likely to remain so.