Her father had promised to take two copies of it
if it were completed; but being doubtful whether this would ever be the
case, he had preferred leaving a draft with her to letting the account
be discharged by his brother, and he had reckoned that seven pounds
would cover the expense.
'You say you supposed the author was dead. What reason had you for
thinking so?'
'He told me; Mr. Flinders did.'
'Had Mr. Mohun sanctioned your applying this sum to any other purpose
than that specified?'
'No, he had not. I did wrong,' said Dolores, firmly.
He wrinkled up his forehead, so that the point of his wig went upwards,
and proceeded to inquire whether she had herself given the cheque to
the prisoner.
'I sent it.'
'Did you post it?'
'Not myself. I gave it to Miss Constance Hacket to send it for me.'
'Can you swear to the sum for which it was drawn when you parted with
it?'
'Yes. I looked at it to see whether it was pounds or guineas.'
'Did you give it loose or in an envelope?'
'In an envelope.'
'Was any other person aware of your doing so?'
'Nobody.'
'What led you to make this advance to the prisoner?'
'Because he told me that he was in great distress.'
'He told you. By letter or in person?'
'In person.'
'When did he tell you so?'
'On the 22nd of December.'
'And where?'
'At Darminster.'
'Let me ask whether this interview at Darminster took place with the
knowledge of the lady with whom you reside?'
'No, it did not,' said Dolores, colouring deeply.
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