could be produced against him. But what should she say to her parent? How
could she impress him with her own feelings, or even fix a doubt of
Hadley's guilt in his mind? While she was revolving these things in her
mind, Mr. Mandeville kept his eye upon her, and noted every change of
expression that passed over her face. At length he said:

"What do you think of that?"

The question found her still in doubt as to what she should say in defense
of her lover, but with the query came decision of purpose, and she readily
replied:

"I think it is a forgery."

"A forgery?"

"Yes, so far as Hadley is concerned. I do not believe he has ever seen it."

"You surely do not believe I would be guilty of such baseness as your words
imply."

"Oh! no, no; I do not for a moment doubt your good faith and perfect
sincerity; but I think you are deceived. How did you get possession of this
document?"

"Well, I must confess, not in the most upright manner, or rather, my
knowledge of that portion of its contents which is intelligible, was
obtained ignobly; but I cannot blame myself for the act, since it has
placed such important facts at my disposal."