But, come what might, the letter purporting to come from Mr. Field, and shown by this girl, was a forgery!
This fact there was no gainsaying.
The points of difference were too distinctly defined to admit of the slightest question.
It was written with different ink!
A steel pen had been used!
The test applied to the ink proved that part of it. And while a quill pen always leaves a soft and wavy edge to the lines it produces, a steel one makes a line that is clear-cut, distinct and sharply defined. The difference between the two was so great that it was not possible to make a mistake.
Leaving the housekeeper, he sought Barnes again, and taking him so suddenly as to give him no time for preparation, he said:
“I understand that you have introduced Miss Doane as the daughter of Mr. Field!”
Without a particle of hesitation, Barnes rejoined:
“It is not the case, for I have not said a word to anybody, and, I may say, have not so much as implied it by a look.”