Mr. Oldfield said of course they must enter an appearance; and, this done, the wisest course would be to let him see Wheeler, and try to compromise the suit. “It will cost you a thousand pounds, Sir Charles, I dare say; but if it teaches you never to write of an enemy or to an enemy without showing your lawyer the letter first, the lesson will be cheap. Somebody in the Bible says, 'Oh, that mine enemy would write a book!' I say, 'Oh, that he would write a letter--without consulting his solicitor.” It was Lady Bassett's cue now to make light of troubles. “What does it matter, Mr. Oldfield? All they want is money. Yes, offer them a thousand pounds to leave him in peace.” So next day Mr. Oldfield called on Wheeler, all smiles and civility, and asked him if he did not think it a pity cousins should quarrel before the whole county. “A great pity,” said Wheeler. “But my client has no alternative. No gentleman in the county would speak to him if he sat quiet under such contumely.” After beating about the bush the usual time, Oldfield said that Sir Charles was hungry for litigation, but that Lady Bassett was averse to it. “In short, Mr. Wheeler, I will try and get Mr. Bassett a thousand pounds to forego this scandal.” “I will consult him, and let you know,” said Wheeler. “He happens to be in the town.” Oldfield called again in an hour. Wheeler told him a thousand pounds would be accepted, with a written apology. Oldfield shook his head. “Sir Charles will never write an apology: right or wrong, he is too sincere in his conviction.” “He will never get a jury to share it.” “You must not be too sure of that. You don't know the defense.” Oldfield said this with a gravity which did him credit. “Do you know it yourself?” said the other keen hand. Mr. Oldfield smiled haughtily, but said nothing. Wheeler had hit the mark. “By the by,” said the latter, “there is another little matter. Sir Charles assaulted me for doing my duty to my client. I mean to sue him. Here is the writ; will you accept service?” “Oh, certainly, Mr. Wheeler and I am glad to find you do not make a habit of serving writs on gentlemen in person.” “Of course not. I did it on a single occasion, contrary to my own wish, and went in person--to soften the blow--instead of sending my clerk.” After this little spar, the two artists in law bade each other farewell with every demonstration of civility. Sir Charles would not apologize. The plaintiff filed his declaration. The defendant pleaded not guilty, but did not disclose a defense. The law allows a defendant in libel this advantage. Plaintiff joined issue, and the trial was set down for the next assizes.