The feminine instinct of curiosity Mrs. Wilders possessed in no common
degree. To look at the letter thus exposed, however unworthy the
action, was a temptation such a woman could not resist. She began to
read it, almost as a matter of course, but carelessly, and with no set
purpose, as though it was little likely to contain matter that would
interest her. But after the first few lines its perusal deeply
absorbed her. A few lines more, and she closed the book, leaving her
hand inside, and looked round the cabin.
Mr. Loftus and his assistants were still busily engaged upon their
official task. Neither of them was paying the slightest attention to
her.
With the hand still concealed inside the blotter, she folded up this
missive which seemed so interesting and important, and, having thus
got it into a small compass, easily and quickly transferred it to her
pocket.
She looked anxiously round, fearing she might have been observed. But
no one had noticed her, and presently, when Mr. Loftus had completed
his work, they again left the yacht for the shore.
So soon as Mrs. Wilders regained the privacy of her own room at
Misseri's, which was not till late in the day, she took out the letter
she had laid hands on in the cabin of the yacht, and read it through
slowly and carefully.
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