human
MESSRS. RUNNINGTON & CO.
gpt
Well--I own I see nothing to find fault with,
human
Rather quick work, too--is it not, Mr. Aubrey?--within an hour or two after judgment pronounced in their favor:--but, to be sure, it's very excusable, when you consider the line of business and the sort of clients that Messrs. Quirk, Gammon, and Snap are accustomed to.
gpt
I have made up my mind as to the course I shall adopt,
human
Oh, of course, that is quite clear! said Mr. Runnington, pouring out his coffee--
gpt
Why, Mr. Runnington, answered Mr. Aubrey, gravely,
human
Good heavens, Mr. Aubrey! exclaimed Mr. Runnington, with visible amazement--
gpt
If it were ten thousand times ten thousand a-year, I would submit--after such a trial as ours!
human
How do we know what fraud and perjury may have been resorted to in order to secure the late verdict, and which we may have the means of exploding against the next trial? Ah, Mr. Aubrey, you don't know the character of Messrs. Quirk, Gammon, and Snap in the profession; they learn a fresh trick from every scoundrel, swindler, and thief, whose case they undertake.
gpt
I thought that fraud and perjury were never to be presumed, Mr. Runnington! Besides, had we not the advantage of most eminent, acute, and experienced counsel? How could it escape _them_?
human
I would only venture to remind you, said Mr. Runnington, firmly but respectfully,
gpt
I thought I was unanswered, Mr. Runnington, though I did not feel at liberty to press the matter,
human
Excuse me, but we _must_ take the chance of a second trial,
gpt
I have decided upon the course I shall adopt, replied Mr. Aubrey, calmly and determinedly--
human
I beg you, Mr. Runnington, to write this day to the gentlemen upon the other side, and inform them that within three weeks I shall be prepared to deliver up possession of Yatton.
gpt
My dear sir!--Do I hear aright? exclaimed Mr. Runnington, with some agitation.
human
Deliver up possession of the estates? and within three weeks? My ears are deceiving me!
gpt
That was what I said--or meant to say--Mr. Runnington,
human
I give you my honor, Mr. Aubrey, that in the whole course of my practice I never heard of such a procedure!
gpt
And I shall further request you to state that the last quarter's rents are in my banker's hands, and will be paid over to the order of Mr. Titmouse
human
Good gracious, Mr. Aubrey!
gpt
I have well considered the position in which I am placed,
human
It is very painful for me to mention the subject, Mr. Aubrey; but have you adverted to the _mesne_ profits?
gpt
I have. It is, indeed, a very fearful matter: and I frankly own that I see no way open before me, but to trust to the forbearance of
human
Forbearance!--The _forbearance_ of Messrs. Quirk, Gammon, and Snap!! or of any one counselled by them!
gpt
Why, what can I do? I might as well undertake to pay off the national debt as the sum of sixty thousand pounds!
human
That's just the very thing,
gpt
Whatever honorable negotiation can effect, I leave it in your hands to do. With reference to the time which may be allowed for liquidating this frightful demand --Mr. Aubrey changed color, but spoke with firmness--
human
I must own this to be a matter which has occasioned me inexpressible anxiety, Mr. Runnington. I really do not see what length of time will enable me to discharge so vast a sum of money, or even to make any sensible impression upon it. I am quite at the mercy of my enemies!
gpt
At one time, I fancied that in a case so grievously hard as yours, said Mr. Runnington, with a sigh--
human
Nor can I, Mr. Runnington, see on what principle such an interference could be supported![8] Besides--can I _entirely_ acquit myself of negligence? Have I not been culpably forgetful of the suggestions which you made to me at the time of my marriage settlement? No, no! I feel myself bound hand and foot