"Isabella, or the Fatal Marriage—a good thing in its time, but out of fashion now," he answered. "A curious fact, there is an incident of precisely the same kind, of which I claim the credit."
"Of what kind, sir?" I said. "Take care what you say."
"Oh, it's no secret! Mr Edwards and I concocted it between us; that is to say, he objected to it a little at first, but I flatter myself it will make some little noise in the world when it is fairly known."
I looked again at the brazen-faced fellow, and nearly fell off my chair at hearing him make such a horrid confession.
"I don't believe a word of it, sir," I exclaimed, "as far as Frank
Edwards is concerned."
"I assure you he had very little hand in it," he replied. "The merit, as you say, is entirely my own."
"And the consequences, too, I hope."
"I hope so. I offered a good deal before I undertook it; and I think it will pay very well."
"What will pay?"
"The Surrey, when the melodrama is finished."