"You had better take it to some one else; I have no money to throw away." 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.