There was nothing to do but answer him . That `` no '' I had determined to say must be said , but , oh ! how woefully it did stick in my throat ! And I honestly believe that by the time I got it out it would have been transformed into a `` yes , '' in spite of me , had it not been for a certain paragraph in Alicia 's letter which came providentially to my mind : Not to flatter you , Katherine , you are a beauty , my dear -- if your photo is to be trusted . If you have not discovered that fact before -- how should you , indeed , in a place like Thrush Hill ? -- you soon will in Montreal . With your face and figure you will make a sensation . There is to be a nephew of the Sinclairs here this winter . He is an American , immensely wealthy , and will be the catch of the season . A word to the wise , etc. . Do n't get into any foolish entanglement down there . I have heard some gossip of you and our old playfellow , Jack Willoughby . I hope it is nothing but gossip . You can do better than that , Katherine . That settled Jack 's fate , if there ever had been any doubt . `` Do n't talk like that , Jack , '' I said hurriedly . `` It is all nonsense . I think a great deal of you as a friend and -- and -- all that , you know . But I can never marry you . '' `` Are you sure , Kitty ? ''
said XXXXX earnestly .
Alicia American Hill Jack Katherine Kitty Montreal Sinclairs Willoughby playfellow