CHAPTER XXVI.
The forged Confession.
Some little time had elapsed since Aveline's departure on her sorrowful errand, and Sir Thomas Lake was still alone, and once more deeply engrossed in the consideration of the document, which, it will be recollected, had occasioned him so much disquietude; and the feeling by no means diminished when the usher entered and announced Lady Lake.
Severe and inflexible as we have described him, the Secretary of State was generally yielding enough towards his lady, of whom he stood in great awe, and whom he treated with the utmost deference; but on this occasion, contrary to habitude, he received her very coldly, and without rising motioned her to a seat beside him.

Disregarding the want of attention, which, under other circumstances, she would have resented, Lady Lake took the seat indicated without remark, and continued silent till the usher had retired.

Then turning quickly towards her husband, and fixing an inquiring look upon him, she said in a low voice-- "What think you of this document, Sir Thomas ?" "This forgery ?" he rejoined in the same tone, but without raising his eyes towards her.
"Ay, this forgery, if you choose to call it so," she returned.

"Let me have your opinion upon it?
Is it as it should be?
Are its expressions such as would be used by a guilty woman, like the Countess, imploring pity, and seeking to shield herself from disgrace?
Do you find fault with it?
Can it be amended in any particular ?" "I find such grave fault with it," replied the Secretary of State, still without looking up, "that I would amend it by casting it into the flames.

Lady Lake, it is my duty to warn you.