Dalhousie, after making his appalling announcement, had thrown himself into a chair, to await the effect of his words. He seemed in no hurry to continue the subject. Thus far the effect warranted his most sanguine hopes of the realization of his great schemes.
Jaspar, after recovering some portion of his former calmness, said,
"May I ask how you obtained possession of the document?"
"That question, sir, I must decline answering."
"You will, at least, show me the paper?"
"That also I must decline."
Jaspar bit his lip.
"How shall I know, then, that you are not deceiving me?"
"I assure you that I have the document, and you must trust to my honor for the rest."
"Honor!" exclaimed Jaspar, giving way to his passion. "No one but a scoundrel ever talks of his honor! By ——, I only want to hear that word, to know that the man is a —— rascal!"