'I have noticed that.'
'I was disappointed on opening the cover. I thought it might contain your reply to my letter.'
'What letter?'
'That which I wrote to you when you were at Mr. Flamank's house.'
'I did not receive it.'
'The loss is not great. It was sent to inform you that I was confined to my bed, and that I was too gravely indisposed to follow the dictates of my heart and fly to your succour.'
'Orange, I am sure, felt your absence greatly.'
'You, also, would have been thankful for my assistance, surely.'
'Yes; but I had no right to expect it. Orange had a right to exact it.'
Trecarrel bit his lip.