‘I’m afraid I know what you refer to. There’s no reason why I shouldn’t answer a question of the kind.’
‘It was Mr Fadge himself who reviewed my father’s book?’
‘It was—confound him! I don’t know another man who could have done the thing so vilely well.’
‘I suppose he was only replying to my father’s attack upon him and his friends.’
‘Your father’s attack is honest and straightforward and justifiable and well put. I read that chapter of his book with huge satisfaction. But has anyone suggested that another than Fadge was capable of that masterpiece?’
‘Yes. I am told that Mr Jedwood, the publisher, has somehow made a mistake.’
‘Jedwood? And what mistake?’
‘Father heard that you were the writer.’
‘I?’ Jasper stopped short. They were in the rays of a street-lamp, and could see each other’s faces. ‘And he believes that?’
‘I’m afraid so.’