“Only what?”

“Couldn't you have made it a little shorter?”

“No, I couldn't; but you don't mean that. What did you mean by that 'only'?”

“Why, I don't think this letter will end the business; at least, I'm afraid not.”

“But what more could I have said?”

“Nothing more, certainly; but couldn't you have keep a little quieter—it's difficult to get the right word—a little cooler, perhaps. Couldn't you have made the part about not seeing her again a little more decided?”

“But you said I needn't pretend I didn't care for her.”

“Did I?”

“Yes. Besides, it would have been a lie.”

“I don't want you to tell a lie, certainly. But how about this 'small remembrance' that you speak of? What's that?”