Mr. Thorne leaned back in his chair and put his hand over his eyes . He felt that he had received his answer , and it was a very bitter moment for him . He had hardly dared hope that this bright , beautiful child could care for him , yet the realization came home to him none the less keenly . When Miss Madeline , paling and flushing by turns , came shyly in he had recovered his self-control sufficiently to be able to say `` good evening '' in a calm voice . Miss Madeline sat down opposite to him . At that moment she was devoutly thankful that she had never had any other proposal to refuse . It was a dreadful ordeal . If he would only help her out ! But he did not speak and every moment of silence made it worse . `` I -- received your letter , Mr. Thorne , '' she faltered at last , looking distressfully down at the floor . `` My letter ! '' Mr. Thorne turned towards her . In her agitation Miss Madeline did not notice the surprise in his face and tone . `` Yes , '' she said , gaining a little courage since the ice was broken . `` It -- it -- was a very great surprise to me . I never thought you -- you cared for me as -- as you said . And I am very sorry because -- because I can not return your affection . And so , of course , I can not marry you . '' Mr. Thorne put his hand over his eyes again . He understood now that there had been some mistake and that Miss Madeline had received the letter he had written to her niece .
Well , it did not matter -- the appearance XXXXX the young man in the garden had settled that .
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