Indeed, where receipt of notice is essential to enable to offeror to perform, such a condition is normally implied. The absence to answer to a letter of offer is much more certain to lead to an inquiry than is the absence of an answer to a letter of acceptance . . . B duly sends a telegram of acceptance and ships the cotton, but the telegram is not delivered. There is a contract, and A is bound to take and pay for the cotton. Any contract formed by the telegraphic acceptance is discharged.
Any contract formed by the dispatch of the telegram is discharged.
But the probability remains that the offeror will rely on the rejection or counter-offer if it is received before the acceptance. A makes an offer by mail. B immediately after receiving the offer mails a letter of rejection. Within the time permitted by the offer B accepts. This acceptance creates a contract only if received before the rejection .