Dear Emily,—Your letter came as a surprise: not because I was not expecting you some day to marry, but because I was trusting to you to keep everything at Combehurst going until Miss Raby was well enough to spare me. Believe me that I am very glad that you have Urible safely back again, but without wanting for a moment to interfere with your plans I do most earnestly wish that you could postpone your wedding for a few weeks. Having waited so long would not Urible—and you—be willing to wait a little longer? Would not you? You have been such a comfort to us for so long, being so trustworthy and understanding, that I am distracted when I think of finding anyone else, especially in these times. Miss Raby still needs me constantly and I cannot bear to abandon her now. May I think of you as being prepared to stay another three months?—I am, yours sincerely,
Nesta Rossiter