Well, I knowed Mr. Harvey, at any rate.”
“That is not to the purpose. Do you know why I have sought you out?”
“I couldn’t guess, ma’am,” said Rudolph cunningly.
He could guess, but he wanted to force her to speak out.
Where is the boy? Is he living?”
“What boy?” asked Rudolph vacantly.
You know very well. Anthony Middleton, my husband’s cousin, whom you stole away when he was scarcely more than an infant.”
“Can you prove what you say, Miss Vincent—I mean Mrs. Middleton?”
“Yes. It is idle to beat about the bush. My husband has told me all.”
“Then he has told you that he hired me to carry the boy off, in order that he might inherit the estate?”