"
"Another party to the affair--and a woman!" ejaculated Sir Thomas. "The
dangers of discovery are multiplied a hundredfold."
"The danger exists only in your imagination," said his Lady. "Come,
admit, Sir Thomas, that the scheme is well contrived, and that they must
be cunning indeed if they escape from the meshes I have woven for them."
"You have displayed ingenuity enough, I am free to own, if it had been
directed to a better end; but in the best contrived scheme some flaw is
ever found, which is sure to mar it."
"You can detect no flaw in this I am persuaded, Sir Thomas. If you can,
let me know it?"
"Nay, it is only when too late that such things are found out. The
supposed armour of proof is then found wanting at some vital point.
However, I will say no more," he observed, perceiving her impatience.
"What is done cannot be undone. Have you prepared our daughter? Will she
consent to aid you?"
"She will," replied Lady Lake. "I had some difficulty with her at first,
but I found means to overrule her scruples, and she consented at last to
act as I desired, provided all other means failed of accomplishing the
object in view. And they _have_ failed since we have lost those letters,
for though I have one other proof left which might perhaps be adduced, I
do not attach much importance to it."
"What is it?" inquired Sir Thomas, quickly.
"You shall know anon," she answered. "Suffice it, I have done all I
could to avoid having recourse to the present measure; and have
delayed--its execution to the last moment.
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