Could the brother have abstracted the fatal proof?
A word sufficed to explain to Philip what she sought for; and his search was more minute than hers.

Every possible receptacle for papers in that room, in the whole house, was explored, and still the search was fruitless.
Three hours afterwards they were in the same room in which Philip had brought Robert Beaufort's letter to his mother.

Catherine was seated, tearless, but deadly pale with heart-sickness and dismay.
"Mother," said Philip, "may I now read the letter ?" Yes, boy; and decide for us all.

She paused, and examined his face as he read.

He felt her eye was upon him, and restrained his emotions as he proceeded.