'Shakespeare we have, I know; but it is locked up in papa's study, in the glass bookcase. I have never read it.'

'Ah! Then read Romeo and Juliet, and you may perhaps learn a secret or two.'

'The secret of love? But what is this curious secret, Lucia?'

'Well now, Susan, answer me. You are a girl, are you not?'

'Yes, of course I am.'

'Of course you are! But why “of course”?'

'Well, because I am, I suppose! I was born so. I don't know any other reason.'

'But there is a very good reason, if you only knew it. Why should you be formed different to a man, for instance? Can you tell me that, sweet Susan?'

'I don't know, but what difference is there?' Lucia stared at me with very open eyes.

'Oh, come, Susan! You don't mean to pretend that you have lived so long without knowing that there are most marked differences between a man and a woman?'

So saying she reached out her hand and lightly placed it in my lap, pressing her fingers on the part between my thighs. 'Now are you not immensely different from a man here!'

Of course I knew I was. I knew that a man was not formed there as I was, but I tell the truth when I say I did not then know exactly what the formation of a man was.

'And have you never wondered why you should be formed here as you are?' she asked, keeping her hand still pressing between my thighs, whilst she gently stroked the place with her long, tapered fingers.

'No, indeed I have not! But, Lucia darling, don't do that!'

Why not? You are a girl and I am another. Surely one girl may touch another there? What harm is there in it?'

I don't know whether there is any harm, but oh!'

'What's the matter?' said Lucia, her colour rising slightly.

'My dear girl! Oh, for goodness sake, take away your hand! You are tickling me dreadfully! Oh, now, don't go on, or you will make me scream!'