Tempest hunted through his papers, and then, turning to the witness, asked, “Was this the letter?” and Tempest read out:
“‘Sir John Rellingham has received and carefully considered the letter. In the exercise of his discretion, he must decline the request. He cannot but think the interview was essential.’”
“It was something like that.”
“Was that the letter, please? Yes or no?”
“I believe it was.”
“Did the interview take place after you received that letter?”
“Yes.”
“Then we can date it. That letter was written within a week of Sir John’s death.”
“Do you propose to prove that, Mr. Tempest?” asked the judge.
“Certainly, my lord—now that it has become material.—Now, do I understand that, until that interview took place, Sir John Rellingham had no idea that you, his wife, were still alive?”