The old man had faithfully recorded the facts and left witnesses to prove the truth of his story ; but for four years I never used it , never made any effort to secure the title or estates . '' `` Why not ? '' breathed my lady in a faint whisper , as hope suddenly revived . `` Because I was grateful , '' and for the first time Paul 's voice faltered . `` I was a stranger , and you took me in . I never could forget that , nor tie many kindnesses bestowed upon the friendless boy . This afflicted me , even while I was acting a false part , and when I was away my heart failed me . But Helen gave me no peace ; for my sake , she urged me to keep the vow made to that poor mother , and threatened to tell the story herself . Talbot 's benefaction left me no excuse for delaying longer , and I came to finish the hardest task I can ever undertake . I feared that a long dispute would follow any appeal to law , and meant to appeal first to you , but fate befriended me , and the last proof was found . '' `` Found ! Where ? '' cried Lady Trevlyn , springing up aghast . `` In Sir Richard 's coffin , where you hid it , not daring to destroy , yet fearing to keep it . '' `` Who has betrayed me ? '' And her eye glanced wildly about the room , as if she feared to see some spectral accuser . `` Your own lips , my lady . Last night I came to speak of this . You lay asleep , and in some troubled dream spoke of the paper , safe in its writer 's keeping , and your strange treasure here , the key of which you guarded day and night . I divined the truth .
Remembering Hester 's stories , I took the key from your helpless hand , found the paper on Sir XXXXX 's dead breast , and now demand that you confess your part in this tragedy . ''
Helen Paul Richard Talbot Trevlyn accuser day first left years