made answer:

"There has been too much ado about this letter to warrant my so
lightly parting with it. First I will satisfy myself that I
have been no unconscious abettor of treason. You shall have
your letter tomorrow, Master Stewart."

"Treason!" echoed Kenneth. And before that cold rebuff of
Crispin's his mood changed from conciliatory to resentful -
resentful towards the fates that made him this man's debtor.

"I assure you, on my honour," said he, mastering his feelings,
"that this is but a letter from the lady I hope to make my
wife. Assuredly, sir, you will not now insist upon reading
it."

"Assuredly I shall."

"But, sir - "

"Master Stewart, I am resolved, and were you to talk from now
till doomsday, you would not turn me from my purpose. So good
night to you."

"Sir Crispin," cried the boy, his voice quavering with passion,
"while I live you shall not read that letter!"

"Hoity-toity, sir! What words! What heroics! And yet you
would have me believe this paper innocent?"