He may die, and then there would be another claim upon us."
"Of that," said the Chairman, "I think there need be no apprehension
whatever. You have heard his letter. But, I repeat, we must not
compound a felony!"
"I submit, Mr. Chairman," said one who had not spoken--and he was a
barrister--"that the Company knows nothing at all about Lady Harry
Norland. We have had to deal with the firm of Erskine, Mansfield,
Denham & Co., of Lincoln's Inn Fields: and a most respectable firm too.
On their representations we paid the money. If it can be ascertained
that we have been defrauded we must look to them. If we have to
prosecute anybody it must be that respectable firm."
"Good," said the Chairman.
"I propose, therefore, that the Secretary write to Lord Harry Norland,
informing him that the Company have had nothing at all to do with his
wife, and do not recognise her action in any way. We shall then see
what happens, and can proceed in accordance."
At this moment a card was brought in. It was that of Mr. Erskine
himself, senior partner in the very firm.
He came in, old, eminently respectable, but shaken. He was greatly
shaken. "Gentlemen," he said nervously, "I hasten to bring you a
communication, a most extraordinary communication, which I have just
received.
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