Mr. Gresley hesitated. He never saw the difficulties entailed by any
action until they were actually upon him. He had had no idea he would
find it wellnigh impossible to open a certain subject.
Hester involuntarily came to his assistance.
"Well, perhaps I ought to look at my letters. By the way, there ought to
be a large package for me from Bentham. It was not with my letters.
Perhaps you sent it to my room."
"It did arrive," said Mr. Gresley, "and perhaps I ought to apologize,
for I saw my name on it and I opened it by mistake. I was expecting some
more copies of my _Modern Dissent_."
"It does not matter. I have no doubt you put it away safely. Where is
it?"
"Having opened it, I glanced at it."
"I am surprised to hear that," said Hester, a pink spot appearing on
each cheek, and her eyes darkening. "When did I give you leave to read
it?"
Mr. Gresley looked dully at his sister, and went on without noticing her
question.
"I glanced at it. I do not see any difference between reading a book in
manuscript or in print. I don't pretend to quibble on a point like that.
After looking at it, I felt that it was desirable I should read the
whole. You may remember, Hester, that I showed you my _Modern Dissent_.
If I did not make restrictions, why should you?"
"The thing is done," said Hester.
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