"The very moment after I'd said yes to Little Billee I knew perfectly well what a stupid fool I was, and I've been ashamed of myself ever since. I had a miserable week, I can tell you. I knew how it would all turn out.
"I am dreadfully unhappy, but not half so unhappy as if I married him and he were ever to regret it and be ashamed of me; and of course he would, really, even if he didn't show it—good and kind as he is—an angel!
"Besides—of course I could never be a lady—how could I?—though I ought to have been one, I suppose. But everything seems to have gone wrong with me, though I never found it out before—and it can't be righted!
"Poor papa!
"I am going away with Jeannot. I've been neglecting him shamefully. I mean to make up for it all now.
"You mustn't try and find out where I am going; I know you won't if I beg you, nor any one else. It would make everything so much harder for me.
"Angèle knows; she has promised me not to tell. I should like to have a line from you very much. If you send it to her she will send it on to me.
"Dear Taffy, next to Little Billee, I love you and the Laird better than any one else in the whole world. I've never known real happiness till I met you. You have changed me into another person—you and Sandy and Little Billee.
"Oh, it has been a jolly time, though it didn't last long. It will have to do for me for life. So good-bye. I shall never, never forget; and remain, with dearest love,
"Your ever faithful and most affectionate friend,