"Perhaps so; but, forgive me, it would not answer. I beg of you to write." "But why do you prefer my writing?" "Because I shall then read her answer." "Then I must tell her that you are to read her reply." "Certainly, dear Lady May; I meant nothing else." "Well, Mr. Longcluse, there is no great difficulty." "I only make it a request, not a condition. I shall do my utmost in any case. Pray tell her that." "Yes, I'll write to her, as you wish it; or, at least, I'll ask her to put on paper what she desires me to say, and I'll read it to you." "That will answer as well. How can I thank you?" "There is no need of thanks. It is I who should thank you for taking, I am afraid, a great deal of trouble so promptly and kindly." "I know those people; they are cunning and violent, difficult to deal with, harder to trust," said Longcluse, looking down in thought. "I should be most happy to settle with them, and afterwards the executor might settle with me at his convenience; but, from what you say, Mr. David Arden and his nephew won't admit their claim. I don't believe such a seizure would be legal; but they are people who frequently venture illegal measures, upon the calculation that it would embarrass those against whom they adopt them more than themselves to bring them into court. It is not an easy card to play, you see, and they are people I hate; but I'll try." In another minute Mr. Longcluse had taken his leave, and was gone. CHAPTER LIII. THE NIGHT OF THE FUNERAL. Mr. Longcluse smiled as he sat in his cab, driving City-ward to the office of Messrs. Childers and Ballard. "How easily, now, one might get up a scene! Let Ballard, the monster--he would look the part well--with his bailiffs, seize the coffin and its precious burden in the church; and I, like Sir Edward Maulay, step forth from behind a pillar to stay the catastrophe. We could make a very fine situation, and I the hero; but the girl is too clever for that, and Richard as sharp--that is, as base--as I; knowing my objects, he would at once see a _plant_, and all would be spoiled. I shall do it in the least picturesque and most probable way. I should like to know the old housekeeper, Mrs. Tansey, better; I should like to be on good terms with her. An awkward meeting with Arden. What the devil do I care? besides, it is but one chance in a hundred. Yes, that is the best way. Can I see Mr. Ballard in his private room for a minute?" he added aloud, to the clerk, Mr. Blotter, behind the mahogany counter, who turned from his desk deferentially, let himself down from his stool, and stood attentive before the great man, with his pen behind his ear. "Certainly, Mr. Longcluse--certainly, Sir. Will you allow me, Sir, to conduct you?"