"It's private," he managed to say at length.
"Oh, private, and awfully important. Let's see."
In one second Sturton fell in Clive's eyes from the giddy pinnacle on which he had been placed. "Never thought he could be such a cad. Opening fellows' letters. Beastly dodge!" thought Clive, glowering on him.
"Here, open it and read," said Sturton severely.
"It's private."
"Can't help that. Read it."
"It's private, I tell you."
Clive was distinctly angry and stubborn.
"Oh!" Sturton looked him up and down, his brow furrowed. He had not the smallest intention of opening the note himself, nor even of listening to its contents. He was merely gauging Clive's character. "Then you won't?" he asked coolly.
"No, I won't."