"Oh no, she's not," said the other. "If you knew her you would not say that; no, indeed, you would not say that. She is the last woman to threaten what she will not perform. Till that document is in her hands I will not feel safe."
"You must be careful," said Brownlow, fighting for time. "How would it be if I were to see her?"
"Useless," said Mr. Tidd.
"May I ask——"
"Yes?"
"Is the document to which your name is attached, and which is in her possession, is it—er—detrimental—I mean, plainly, is it likely to do you a grave injury?"
"The document," said Mr. Tidd, "was written by me in a moment of impulse to a lady who is—another gentleman's wife."
"It is a letter?"
"Yes, it is a letter."
"I see. Well, Mr. Tidd, your document, the one you are anxious to return in exchange for this document, is in the possession of Mr. Pettigrew; it is quite safe."