Biding my time, I permitted the distressing truth to sink in.

You will remember that Anne's letters began to come less frequently about four months ago, and--" "How do you happen to know about that ?" broke in the young man, in surprise.
"Where she had been in the habit of writing twice and even three times a week," went on Mr.Thorpe, "she was content to set herself to the task of dropping you a perfunctory letter once in a fortnight.

You will also recall that her letters were not so full of intensity--or enthusiasm: they lacked fervour, they fell off considerably in many ways.

I happen to know about all this, Braden, because putting two and two together has always been exceedingly simple for me.

You see, it was about three months ago that Anne began to reveal more than casual interest in Percy Wintermill.
She--" "Percy Wintermill!" gasped Braden, clutching the arms of his chair.