JULIA  ‘To Julia’–say, from whom?

LUCETTA        That the contents will show.

JULIA Say, say – who gave it thee?

LUCETTA Sir Valentine’s page; and sent, I think, from Proteus.

He would have given it you, but I being in the way

Did in your name receive it. Pardon the fault, I pray.       (1.2.35-40)

‘To Julia’—that’s clear enough, written on the outside of the letter. But there’s no indication as to the sender: say, from whom? tell me, tell me! (can Julia not guess? is she too unworldly to believe that this is actually happening? is she suddenly afraid?) Well, open it, says Lucetta (who knows whom it’s from, or at least guesses); it’ll be clear enough. That the contents will show. (There’s maybe a play on contents as content, happiness: you’ll be so pleased when you see!) But Julia’s still playing detective (and putting off opening it). Say, say—who gave it thee? What’s going on really, how come you’ve got it? Sir Valentine’s page—Speed—and sent, I think, from Proteus. Confirmation! He—Speed, the page—would have given it you, he did mean to deliver it in person (and we know that Speed was in a hurry to get to the ship with Valentine) but I being in the way did in your name receive it. He met me first, and so he gave it to me to give to you—although in your name is nicely ambiguous: on your behalf, as your agent and representative? Or, allowing him to think that I was you? Either way (and probably the former) pardon the fault, I pray. Sorry! Don’t let it bother you! Didn’t mean to upset you! But how is Julia reacting? Surely this is what she wants, a letter sent from Proteus?