"In Luke Hatton, our apothecary, I had the man for my purpose," pursued
Lady Lake. "Aware of his marvellous talent for imitating any writing he
pleased--aware, also, that I could entirely rely upon him, I resolved to
call in his aid."
"Imprudent woman! You have placed yourself wholly in his power," groaned
Sir Thomas. "Suppose he should betray the terrible trust you have
reposed in him?"
"He will not betray it," replied Lady Lake. "He is too deeply implicated
in the matter not to keep silence for his own sake. But to proceed. The
document, such as you see it, was drawn out by myself and transcribed by
Luke Hatton, and the writing so admirably counterfeited that Lady
Exeter herself may well doubt if it be not her own. Then, as to the
circumstances, they will all bear me out. We were known to have been at
Wimbledon on the day in question. We were known to have had an interview
with Lady Exeter, at which Lord Roos and Diego were present. The
interview was private, and therefore no one can tell what took place at
it; but the probabilities are that what I shall assert really did
occur."
Sir Thomas signified his assent, and she went on.
"The plot is well contrived, and, with prudent management, cannot fail
of success. We have the time of the supposed occurrence--the actors in
it--and the scene--for I shall describe the particular room in which the
interview really did take place, and I shall further bring forward Sarah
Swarton, who will declare that she was concealed behind the hangings,
and heard the Countess read over the confession before she signed it.
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