“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.”

“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.”