Whereupon Mr. Forde made some remarks about Mr. Swanland, which, though a true chronicler, I must refrain from setting forth in print.
"I should think, sir," suggested Esther, when the storm had blown over a little, "that, if you sent a note either to Mr. Leigh or to Mrs. Werner, my mistress would have it. She is quite certain to send her address to them."
"Look here, my girl," said Mr. Forde, "I will give the note to you, and trust to chance. If Mrs. Mortomley has not given her address to you, which I believe she has, she will within twenty-four hours. Give me pen, ink, and paper."
And though letter-writing was against all Mr. Forde's principles, he thereupon sat down and wrote a note to Mrs. Mortomley, stating with what regret he had heard of her consulting a solicitor, and asking for an interview which he had no doubt would prove of ultimate advantage to all concerned, "including Mr. Mortomley himself."
When he had finished, he laid the envelope and a florin on the table and summoned Esther.
"That is the letter," he remarked.
She took the letter and pushed aside the florin.
"My mistress left me enough money, thank you, sir," she said; "and I would rather not take any more from any one."
Mr. Kleinwort shrugged his shoulders as she retreated, and his friend pocketed the florin.
"Asherill had reason," remarked the German.