Audrey threw back her head and fell into silvery laughter. Then she drew out a letter and put it into his hand.
“I think I’ve teased you enough,” she said.
Dear Mr. Pendragon,
It is indeed plain that you and I are of different schools. I should not, for instance, have ‘pumped’ a gentleman who, had he dreamed of the use to which his information was to be put, would have seen you dead before he had opened his mouth.
I refuse your offer because I do not think there is a poor man in Sundial who would not rather go hungry, with you for lord, than that I should pay so dear to become his lady.
One thing more.
Unless I hear from you by return of post that you will immediately—
(a) reinstate Mr. Warthog,
(b) throw open Mesne Holms,
(c) let me the Manor House for a term of seven years at a rent not exceeding twice that which a reputable firm of house-agents shall consider just,