I'll join you when I
have smoked this cigar."
The obedient Bella rose, and went toward the Sister as if compelled.
But when she got to her her whole manner changed. She took her warmly
by the hand, and said, trembling and blushing, and all on fire, "I have
brought you the anonymous letter."
The elder actress took it and ran her eye over it--an eye that now
sparkled like a diamond. "Humph!" said she, and flung off all the
dulcet tones of her assumed character with mighty little ceremony.
"This hand is disguised a little, but I think I know it. I am sure I
do! The dirty little rascal!"
"Madam!" cried Bella, aghast with surprise at this language.
"I tell you I know the writer and his rascally motive. You must lend me
this for a day or two."
"Must I?" said Bella. "Excuse me! Papa would be so angry."
"Very likely; but you will lend it to me for all that; for with this I
can clear Miss Bruce's lover and defeat his enemies."
Bella uttered a faint cry, and trembled, and her bosom heaved
violently. She looked this way and that, like a frightened deer. "But
papa? His eye is on us."
"Never deceive your father!" said the Sister, almost sternly; "but,"
darting her gray eyes right into those dove-like orbs, "give me five
minutes' start--IF YOU REALLY LOVE SIR CHARLES BASSETT.
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