“I will write what you say,” with a sigh of relief.
So Patricia seated herself beside him and with a troubled brow dictated in English.
“My dear Miss North:
“I have learned with horror and dismay of the great bereavement which has fallen upon you and your family, but in view of this misfortune, I have thought it wisest to take my departure at once.
“You will understand, of course, that under these conditions it is advisable to discontinue our present relations at once, and as my presence might prove embarrassing I leave with feelings of great unhappiness. You are doubtless aware of the customs of my country in the matter of settlements, the absence of which would preclude the possibility of marriage on my part.
“Mrs. Crabb has kindly consented to make my apologies and excuses to you for my abrupt departure which I take with deep regret, the deeper because of my profound esteem for your many delightful qualities, of which you may be assured I shall never cease to think with tender and regretful sentiments——”
Patricia broke off abruptly. “I think that is all, Monsieur. Will you finish it—as you please?”
The baron nodded and added:
“I am, Mademoiselle, with profound assurances of my friendship and consideration,
“Yours,
“Louis Charles Bertram de Chartres,
“Baron DeLaunay.”