human
Well, Richard, was not that enough to shake and terrify, and almost drive me mad?
gpt
It was, my love, I answered, pressing her closely to me,
human
Oh, it is certainly Mr. Harcourt's handwriting, replied Bessy.
gpt
There are several more of his letters there, and I have got two or three others. I know his writing quite well.
human
I doubt it not, I answered;
gpt
Look here, dearest, I said.
human
This docket on the back tells you that this is a letter describing the death of Colonel Davenport--your father, I presume--by the hands of Sir Richard Conway, whom it points out as _my_ father. The docket purports to have been written when I was serving with a regiment in the presidency of Bombay. That is eight years ago, Bessy; for I exchanged almost immediately after that period, when I was merely a cornet, into a regiment in Bengal. Yet the ink seems to me exceedingly fresh. I suspect that it has not been upon the paper more than ten days. But now mark another thing. Look here at this line; you see it stands thus: 'Davenport had been killed at the first fire, and----' The line is almost full if you end with that word '_and;_' but crowded in at the end of the line is the small word 'Sir,' and then, in the next line, come the words, 'Richard Conway.' If you will remark closely the handwriting and the ink of that small word, 'Sir,' you will perceive that the one is different and the other bluer than those employed in the letter.
gpt
I see, I see! cried Bessy, eagerly.
human
It _is_ different; but what object could be attained by adding that word?
gpt
To bear out the docket that was written by Robert Thornton, I answered,
human
I did, indeed, she answered.
gpt
But where you have twice saved my life, Richard, where you have risked your own to do it--where you have been so kind, so noble, so generous, surely, surely, the barrier is broken down, the stain wiped out, and my father himself may look down and bless us. Oh, do not gaze at me so! Tell me--tell me what you mean! What do your looks mean? Is it not so? Is not this letter true?