Compare, I say, the
writing of the confession and the signature with this note, and declare
if you can discern any difference between them. As to the signatures of
Lord Roos and Diego affixed to the document, they are equally well
simulated."
"That the forgery is skilfully executed, I do not deny," replied the
Secretary of State; "and that circumstance, though it does not lessen
the crime, may lessen the chance of detection. Since nothing I can urge
will turn you from your design, and you are determined to employ this
dangerous instrument, at least be cautious in its use. Terrify Lord Roos
with it, if you choose. Threaten to lay it before the Earl of
Exeter--before the King himself--in case of our son-in-law's
non-compliance with your demands. But beware how you proceed further. Do
not part with it for a moment; so that, if need be, you may destroy it.
Do you heed me, my lady?"
"I do, Sir Thomas," she replied. "Be assured I will act with due
caution.--I am glad to find you are coming round to my views, and are
disposed to countenance the measure."
"I countenance it!" exclaimed the Secretary of State, in alarm. "No such
thing. I disapprove of it entirely, and cannot sufficiently reprehend
it. But, as I well know, when you have once made up your mind, the fiend
himself cannot turn you from your purpose, I give you the best counsel I
can under the circumstances. I wash my hands of it altogether. Would to
Heaven I had never been consulted upon it--never even been made
acquainted with the project.
Pages:
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243