She began to read,
"Dear Gina,
Do forgive me for doing this to you in the middle of the ball, but there was no other way.
Benedict and I are in love. It struck us both like a flash of lightning at the first moment and we have lived only for each other since ever then.
My parents will never consent to our marriage, so we have run away together. When you next see me I will be Mrs. Benedict Kenly.
Please give my apologies to the Duke. I never meant to mislead him, but he didn't really want to marry me anyway. He –"
Gina checked herself at this point, for the letter continued,
"He loves someone else and I think you know who. If you haven't guessed by now, then you must be very blind."
Omitting this passage, Gina hurried on to the final words.
"Your affectionate friend,
Athene."
Ther
