The letter was short enough to be soon read.

I could have repeated it at the time.

I can repeat it now.
"DEAR VICAR--Mr.Eustace Woodville is quite correct in stating to you that he is a gentleman by birth and position, and that he inherits (under his deceased father's will) an independent fortune of two thousand a year.
"Always yours, "LAWRENCE FITZ-DAVID." "Can anybody wish for a plainer answer than that ?" Eustace asked, handing the letter back to me.
"If _I_ had written for information about you," I answered, "it would have been plain enough for me." "Is it not plain enough for your uncle ?" "No." "What does he say ?" "Why need you care to know, my darling ?" "I want to know, Valeria.

There must be no secret between us in this matter.

Did your uncle say anything when he showed you the major's letter ?" "Yes." "What was it ?" "My uncle told me that his letter of inquiry filled three pages, and he bade me observe that the major's answer contained one sentence only.