Then Robert set about procuring the 'Athenaeum' in question.

He tells me (and _that_ I perfectly believe) that, for the facts to be given at all, they could not possibly be given with greater delicacy; oh, and I will add for myself, that for them to be related by anyone during my life, I would rather have _you_ to relate them than another.

But why should they be related during my life?
There was no need, no need.

To show my nervous susceptibility in the length and breadth of it to you, I _could not_ (when it came to the point) _bear to read_ the passage extracted in the 'Athenaeum,' notwithstanding my natural anxiety to see exactly what was done.

I could not bear to do it.