"Then your own hand-writing will condemn you."

"Be certain of that before you proceed."

"You know I _have_ such a document."

"I know you have _not_."

"Then I will prove it."

And she went in search of the paper, where she had carefully placed it
away. But no paper was to be found! What could have become of it? She
returned.

"Well, let me see your 'document,' as you term it," he said, in a taunting
manner.

"It has been misplaced by some means, but I will find it in time to answer
my purpose."

"Perhaps."

"Durant, you _know_ I have such a paper, and what is the use of denying
it?"

"Again, I repeat, I know no such thing." Then after a pause, he continued:
"We might as well understand each other at once."

He produced a paper, and went on: "Here, I suppose, is the article you
speak of. I see it is in my hand-writing, and lest by any chance it should