"I don't believe my father had anything to do with it," said Hersham, angrily. "However, as you insist on it, I shall go home and see him. If he tells me, I shall tell you. If he refuses, as he has done before--"
"In that case I'll come down to Fairview and see him myself."
"As you please," said Hersham, with a feigned air of indifference, but real vexation. "I'll do my best; I can do no more."
"Don't be angry, old fellow. I don't wish to vex either you or your father, but you must see that it is important that I should know the meaning of this cross. You will go and see Mr. Hersham?"
"Yes; before the end of the week. Will that content you?"
"Yes," replied Fanks, in his turn. "And now, before you go, just tell me if you received a letter from Mrs. Boazoph, and if you have brought it with you?"
"Now it is strange that you should have guessed that," said Hersham, in astonishment. "I did get a letter from Mrs. Boazoph; I brought it to see what you thought of it. It quite slipped my memory till you spoke of it. Here it is. Came yesterday from Fairview."
"From Fairview!" repeated Fanks, making no attempt to take the letter which Hersham held towards him. "Was it sent to that address?"
"Yes, care of my father, who forwarded it on to me. See for yourself."
"Did Mrs. Boazoph know of your address in the Isle of Wight?"