The Colonel bowed. Then he examined the document.
"I see, sir," said he, "the witness is William Hope. May I ask if you know this William Hope?"
"I was not present at the wedding, sir," said Monckton, "so I can say nothing about the matter from my own knowledge; but if you please, I will ask the lady."
"Why didn't she come herself instead of sending you?" asked the Colonel, distrustfully.
"That's just what I asked her. And she said she had not the heart nor the courage to come herself. I believe she thought as I was a clergyman, and not directly interested, I might be more calm than she could be, and give a little less pain."
"That's all stuff! If she is afraid to come herself, she knows it's an abominable falsehood. Bring her here with whatever evidence she has got that this Walter Clifford is my son, and then we will go into this matter seriously."
Monckton was equal to the occasion.
"You are quite right, sir," said he. "And what business has she to put me forward as evidence of a transaction I never witnessed? I shall tell her you expect to see her, and that it is her duty to clear up the affair in person. Suppose it should be another Mr. Walter Clifford, after all? When shall I bring her, supposing I have sufficient influence?"
"Bring her to-morrow, as early as you can."
"Well, you know ladies are not early risers: will twelve o'clock do?"