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were sitting.
Leaning over, but still keeping her arm round his neck, she took the
letter from the plate, and touched the panel. The compartment closed in,
and the bell ceased ringing.
The duchess broke the seal, and, opening the envelope, drew out two
documents contained therein, and flung it on the floor at Gwynplaine's
feet. The impression of the broken seal was still decipherable, and
Gwynplaine could distinguish a royal crown over the initial A. The torn
envelope lay open before him, so that he could read, "To Her Grace the
Duchess Josiana." The envelope had contained both vellum and parchment.
The former was a small, the latter a large document. On the parchment
was a large Chancery seal in green wax, called Lords' sealing-wax.
The face of the duchess, whose bosom was palpitating, and whose eyes
were swimming with passion, became overspread with a slight expression
of dissatisfaction.
"
Ah!" she said. "What does she send me? A lot of papers! What a
spoil-sport that woman is!"
Pushing aside the parchment, she opened the vellum.
"It is her handwriting. It is my sister's hand. It is quite provoking.
Gwynplaine, I asked you if you could read. Can you?"
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