`` 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 of the young man in the garden had settled that . Would he tell Miss Madeline of her mistake ? No , it would only humiliate her and it made no difference , since she had refused him . `` I suppose it is of no use to ask you to reconsider your decision ? '' he said . `` Oh , no , '' cried Miss Madeline almost aghast . She was afraid he might ask it after all . `` Not in the least use . I am sorry -- so very sorry -- but I could not answer differently .
We -- I hope -- this will make no difference XXXXX our friendly relations , Mr. Thorne ? ''
after as for in of over since that to towards