"But why shouldn't she write to me for them?"
"You forget that she is engaged, Mr. Fairfield."
"I—Of course, I did forget for the minute; but even if she is, I don't see why so simple a thing as a note asking for her letters—"
Alice rose.
"I don't think that there is any need of my explaining," she said. "If I tell you that she didn't find it easy to write, will that be sufficient? Of course you will give me the letters."
"I must give them if she wishes it; but may I ask one question first? Doesn't she send for them because she's engaged?"
"Isn't that reason enough?"
"It is reason enough," Dick answered, smiling; "but it isn't a reason here. She isn't engaged any more. That is, she won't be by night."
Alice stared at him in astonishment.
"What do you mean?" she demanded.