"'My dead lady, your wife, commanded me to come,' I answered, feeling myself grow tall and strong. 'She was murdered by that woman, and you are bound to know it. Read this—it is in her own handwriting.'
"'It belongs to my lady. The imp of Satan stole it!' cried Cora, fierce as a wild-cat. 'No one has a right to read it.'
"Mr. Lee had helped Babylon to her feet, and stood, with one arm around her waist, looking from her to me.
"'It is mine,' she whispered; 'make her give it up.'
"'But I have read every word of it. I have left a copy at home, which Miss Hyde has now. A minute ago you said it was a forgery; now, you both own up—you and your yellow sister there.'
"At this, Mr. Lee seemed to be turning into stone, all but his eyes, that shot fire at me.
"'What does she mean?' asked Babylon. The words dropped from her like lead. It seemed as if she hadn't the strength to speak.
"'She's crazy!' says Cora. 'My mistress never had either brother or sister.'
"'Hadn't she?' says I. 'Just look at this paper, Mr. Lee, and then ask her how she came to write there that this yellow girl is her father's child. I heard the impudent creature threaten her, if she didn't give up the diamonds you sent here this morning, or write this promise just so.'
"'The diamonds!' said Mr. Lee, loosening his arm from Babylon's waist and looking in her face. 'How could this girl know about them?'