Jack saw her put her cigarette up to her mouth with a hand that shook ever so slightly.

And yet before the other could say one word she recovered herself.
"Please let me say it right out to the end first," she said.

"No; please don't interrupt! Mr.Jack, give me the letter ...

oh! I've got it." (She drew it out and began to unfold it, talking all the while with astonishing smoothness and self-command.) "And I'll read you all the important part.

It's written to Mr.Kirkby.He got it this morning and very kindly brought it straight over here at once." Jack was watching like a terrier.