I had sealed up every document referring to the Rummelsburg
marriage, and had addressed them all to you. I couldn't have made it
safer, could I?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"You would have been enabled to destroy every scrap of the evidence
which will be wanted to prove your brother's legitimacy. Had I burned
the papers I could not have put them more beyond poor Mountjoy's reach.
Now they are quite safe in Mr. Grey's office; his clerk took them away
with him. I would not leave them here with Mountjoy because,--well,--you
might come, and he might be murdered!" Now Mr. Scarborough had had his
revenge.
"You think you have done your duty," said Augustus.
"I do not care two straws about doing my duty, young man." Here Mr.
Scarborough raised himself in part, and spoke in that strong voice which
was supposed to be so deleterious to him. "Or rather, in seeking my
duty, I look beyond the conventionalities of the world. I think that you
have behaved damnably, and that I have punished you. Because of
Mountjoy's weakness, because he had been knocked off his legs, I
endeavored to put you upon yours. You at once turned upon me, when you
thought the deed was done, and bade me go--and bury myself. You were a
little too quick in your desire to become the owner of Tretton Park at
once.
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