"Miss Melrose has been telling me the story," said Tatham, smiling at the recollection. "By George, that's a rum little girl! She glories in it. But she says her mother has been consumed with remorse ever since. Go on."
"And if any attempt is made to blackmail or coerce Mr. Melrose, he will be obliged, much against his will, to draw the attention of the Italian police to certain matters relating to Mr. Smeath, of which he has the evidence in his possession. He warns Mrs. Melrose that her father's career cannot possibly bear examination.
"I regret that my reply cannot be more satisfactory to you.
"Believe me,
"Yours faithfully,
"CLAUDE FAVERSHAM."
Victoria had turned pale.
"How abominable! Why, her father is bedridden and dying!"
"So I told Faversham—like a fool. For it only—apparently—gives Melrose a greater power of putting on the screw. Well, now look here—here's something else." He drew another letter from his pocket, and handed it to her.
Victoria unfolded a second note from Faversham—marked "confidential," and written in evident agitation.