He put it down upon the table by the side of the first and waited for Mr. Quest to go on.

“I have other evidence,” said his visitor presently, “but you are probably sufficiently versed in such matters to know that these letters alone are almost enough for my purpose.  That purpose is to commence a suit for divorce against my wife, in which you will, of course, in accordance with the provisions of the Act, be joined as co-respondent.  Indeed, I have already drawn up a letter of instruction to my London agents directing them to take the preliminary steps,” and he pushed a third paper towards him.

Edward Cossey turned his back to his tormentor and resting his head upon his hand tried to think.

“Mr. Quest,” he said presently in a hoarse voice, “without admitting anything, there are reasons which would make it ruinous to me if such an action were commenced at present.”

“Yes,” he answered, “there are.  In the first place there is no knowing in what light your father would look on the matter and how his view of it would affect your future interests.  In the second your engagement to Miss de la Molle, upon which you are strongly set, would certainly be broken off.”

“How do you know that I am engaged?” asked Edward in surprise.

“It does not matter how I know it,” said the lawyer, “I do know it, so it will be useless for you to deny it.  As you remark, this suit will probably be your ruin in every way, and therefore it is, as you will easily understand, a good moment for a man who wants his revenge to choose to bring it.”

“Without admitting anything,” answered Edward Cossey, “I wish to ask you a question.  Is there no way out of this?  Supposing that I have done you a wrong, wrong admits of compensation.”

“Yes, it does, Mr. Cossey, and I have thought of that.  Everybody has his price in this world and I have mine; but the compensation for such a wrong must be a heavy one.”

“At what price will you agree to stay the action for ever?” he asked.

“The price that I will take to stay the action is the transfer into my name of the mortgages you hold over the Honham Castle Estates,” answered Mr. Quest quietly.

“Great heavens!” said Edward, “why that is a matter of thirty thousand pounds.”

“I know it is, and I know also that it is worth your while to pay thirty thousand pounds to save yourself from the scandal, the chance of disinheritance, and the certainty of the loss of the woman whom you want to marry.  So well do I know it that I have prepared the necessary deeds for your signature, and here they are.  Listen, sir,” he went on sternly; “refuse to accept my terms and by to-night’s post I shall send this letter of instructions.  Also I shall send to Mr. Cossey, Senior, and to Mr. de la Molle copies of these two precious epistles,” and he pointed to the incriminating documents, “together with a copy of the letter to my agents; and where will you be then?  Consent, and I will bind myself not to proceed in any way or form.  Now, make your choice.”