“Yes, I do,” he cried eagerly; “it’s the one out of which I spilt all the pins.”
“May we come in?” said Mrs Hampton, in her stern, harsh voice.
“Yes, yes, ma’am,” cried the old woman excitedly. “Miss Gertrude, my dear, oh, be quick! It’s him; it’s him; and me not to have known him directly I saw his face.”
A short, dry cough from the lawyer checked her, as, flushed and trembling with excitement, Gertrude stood once more in the room.
“Yes, yes, Denton,” said the old lawyer; “this is all very good evidence, but—”
“Oh, it’s him, sir! it’s him! Miss Gertrude, we’ve all been dreadfully cheated. It’s him; it’s him!”
“Mrs Denton, have the goodness to be silent,” said Mr Hampton sternly.
“Yes, yes, granny,” said the young man, laying his arm caressingly on her shoulder; “be quiet now and wait. By-and-bye I hope to convince all here as strongly as I have convinced you.”
“You shall have fair play, sir,” said the lawyer gravely. “I regret to be compelled to treat you as I do; and I regret also that I must withhold all confidence in what you have said. I can only say, sir, that you have impressed me most favourably.”
“And I’m sure you never drink, my dear?” cried Denton.