I read it through with equal amusement and gratification.

If Miss Sissie had written it on purpose in order to open Cecil Holsworthy's eyes, she couldn't have managed the matter better or more effectually.

It breathed ardent love, tempered by a determination to sell her charms in the best and highest matrimonial market.
"Now, I know this man, C.," I said when I had finished.

"And I want to ask whether you will let me show him Miss Montague's letter.

It would set him against the girl, who, as a matter of fact, is wholly unwor--I mean totally unfitted for him." "Let you show it to him?
Like a bird! Why, Sissie promised me herself that if she couldn't bring 'that solemn ass, C.,' up to the scratch by Christmas, she'd chuck him and marry me.