She gave him the letter, her heart standing still, but she was filled
with a regnant determination to defend herself, to defend David against
any attack, or from any consequences.
All her life and hopes seemed hanging in the balance, as he began to read
the letter. With fear she saw his face cloud over, heard an impatient
exclamation pass his lips. She closed her eyes to gather strength for the
conflict which was upon her. He spoke, and she vaguely wondered what
passage in the letter had fixed his attention. His voice seemed very far
away. She scarcely understood. But presently it pierced the clouds of
numbness between them, and she realised what he was saying:
"Vulgar fellow--I can't congratulate you upon your American cousin. So,
the Saadat is great on moral suasion, master of it--never failed yet--not
altogether--and Aunt Melissa and skim-milk and early piety!' And 'the
Saadat is a wonder from Wondertown'--like a side-show to a circus, a
marvel on the flying trapeze! Perhaps you can give me the sense of the
letter, if there is any sense in it.
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