Festus. That is all I am at liberty to mention.
Stella. What if I should grant you liberty to say more?
Festus. Oh! then—then I should say—I should say—
Stella. Well, what would you say?
Festus. It’s your turn to read.
Stella. (Aside.) Stupid! (Aloud.) Well, sir, what shall I read?
Festus. Oh! oblige me by making your own selection.
Stella. There’s “The Bells,” by Poe. Do you like that?
Festus. Oh, exceedingly!
Stella. But I don’t know how to read it: it’s very difficult.