"
With a hesitating hand I lifted the placque towards the basket. "I
would very much like to sell it to you," said I. "Perhaps--"
Just then a lady's fluttering voice rose from the room beyond
inquiring for the Countess, and hurriedly taking the placque from my
hand with an impulsive "O there's Amy," she passed into the adjoining
apartment, leaving the door open behind her.
I saw a quick interchange of greetings between her and a fashionably
dressed lady, then they withdrew to one side with the ornament I had
brought, evidently consulting in regard to its merits. Now was my
time. The book in which she had placed the letter she had been writing
lay on the table right before me, not two inches from my hand. I had
only to throw back the cover and my curiosity would be satisfied.
Taking advantage of a moment when their backs were both turned, I
pressed open the book with a careful hand, and with one eye on them
and one on the sheet before me, managed to read these words:--
MY DEAREST CECILIA.
I have tried in vain to match the sample you sent me at Stewart's,
Arnold's and McCreery's. If you still insist upon making up the
dress in the way you propose, I will see what Madame Dudevant can
do for us, though I cannot but advise you to alter your plans and
make the darker shade of velvet do.
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