Chapter 54

She put her hand out almost afraid to look, and slowly lifted the cover. Inside they saw a bag made of antique crimson velvet much stained by mould. Upon it lay a white envelope, likewise warped and stained by the damp. It bore no superscription. Mariula hesitated. “Open it! Open it!” urged Mr. Mappin. “It is certainly for you.” Mariula’s slim fingers trembled. The envelope contained a double sheet of notepaper folded once. Owing to its outer protection it was in a better state of preservation. She read it, starry-…