Meantime her mother had opened the desk, but before beginning to write she took out a small packet of letters, and handed them to Lucia.

"I will give these to you," she said, "for you have the greatest concern with them, though they were not meant for your eyes." Lucia looked at the packet and recognized Maurice's hand.
"Ought I to read them, then ?" she said.
"Certainly.

Nay, I desire that you will read them carefully.

Yes, Lucia," she went on in a softer tone, "I wish you to know all that has been hidden from you.

Take those notes and keep them.