'The fool of an owner calls her the Petrel. It's not that I'm superstitious, but to give a boat a name of bad augury to sailors appears to me . . . however, I 've argued it with him and I will have her called the Curlew. Carrying Dr. Shrapnel and me, Petrel would be thought the proper title for her isn't that your idea?'
He laughed and she smiled, and then he became overcast with his political face, and said, 'I hope—I believe—you will alter your opinion of him. Can it be an opinion when it's founded on nothing? You know really nothing of him. I have in my pocket what I believe would alter your mind about him entirely. I do think so; and I think so because I feel you would appreciate his deep sincerity and real nobleness.'
'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!'