“Can you doubt it, sir—or is it necessary that I should give my promise?”
“I hope and trust not. But having myself given a written pledge, under my own hand and seal, to Mr. Cashel, surrendering all right and title to this estate—”
“Who gave this?” said Linton, turning suddenly round, and relinquishing his hold upon the lock of the door. “Who gave this?”
“I gave it.”
“To whom?”
“To Mr. Cashel, in the presence of his agent.”
“When?” exclaimed Linton, from whose pale features, now, intense agitation had banished all disguise. “When did you give it?”
“Within a fortnight.”
“And this document—this release, was formal and explicit?”
“Perfectly so. I knew enough of law to make it obligatory. I stated the conditions for which it was given,—certain concessions that Mr. Cashel had lately granted me, respecting this small property.”