“Is it a talisman that you have, Nevil?”
“No, it’s a letter.”
Cecilia’s cheeks took fire.
“I should so much like to read it to you,” said he.
“Do not, please,” she replied with a dash of supplication in her voice.
“Not the whole of it—an extract here and there? I want you so much to understand him.”
“I am sure I should not.”
“Let me try you!”
“Pray do not.”
“Merely to show you...”