‘Eh!’ repeated Melmotte.  Even though he might have saved himself from all coming evils by a bold demeanour at that moment, he could not assume it.  But it all flashed upon him at a moment.  Brehgert had seen Croll after he, Melmotte, had left the City, had then discovered the forgery, and had taken this way of sending back all the forged documents.  He had known Brehgert to be of all men who ever lived the most good-natured, but he could hardly believe in pure good-nature such as this.  It seemed that the thunderbolt was not yet to fall.

‘Mr Brehgert came to me,’ continued Croll, ’because one signature was wanting.  It was very late, so I took them home with me.  I said I’d bring them to you in the morning.’

They...