Page:Tess of the D'Urbervilles (1891 Volume 2).pdf/198

 up in canvas, sealed in red wax with his father’s seal, and directed in his father’s hand to ‘Mrs. Angel Clare.’

‘It is a little wedding-present for you, Tess,’ said he, handing it to her. ‘How thoughtful they are!’

Tess looked a little flustered as she took it.

‘I think I would rather have you open it, dearest,’ said she, turning over the parcel. ‘I don’t like to break those great seals; they look so serious. Please open it for me!’

He undid the parcel. Inside was a case of morocco leather, on the top of which lay a note and a key.

The note was for Clare, in the following words: