“You do, sir. If matters eventually should take the turn which admits of any intervention on my part--any expression of opinion--any elucidation of sentiments attributed to me--I will be free to make such in the manner I deem suitable.” “In case this person should prove one, either from his character or the degree in which he has implicated himself, unfitted for your Lordship's object, I am to drop the negotiation?” “Rather, I should say, sir, you are not to open it.” “I meant as much,” said Sewell, with some irritation. “It is an occasion, sir, for careful action and precise expression. I have no doubt you will acquit yourself creditably in each of these respects. Are you already acquainted with Mr. Spencer?” “We have met at the Club, my Lord; he at least knows who I am.” “That will be quite sufficient. One point more--I have no need to caution you as to secrecy--this is a matter which cannot be talked of.” “That you may rely on, my Lord; reserve is so natural to me, that I have to put no strain upon my manner to remember it.” “I shall be curious to hear the result of your visit,--that is, if you be permitted to visit the Bridewell. Will you do me the favor to come to me at once?” Sewell promised this faithfully, and withdrew. “If ever an old fool wanted to run his head into a noose,” muttered he, “here is one; the slightest blunder on my part, intentional or not, and this great Baron of the Exchequer might be shown up as abetting treason. To be sure, he has given me nothing under his hand--nothing in writing--I wonder was that designedly or not; he is so crafty in the middle of all his passion.” Thus meditating, he went on his mission. CHAPTER XII. SOME OF SEWELL'S OPINIONS Sewell was well received by the magistrate, and promised that he should be admitted to see the prisoner on the next morning; having communicated which tidings to the Chief Baron, he went off to dine with his mother in Merrion Square. “Isn't Lucy coming?” said Lady Lendrick, as he entered the drawing-room alone. “No. I told her I wanted a long confidential talk with you; I hinted that she might find it awkward if one of the subjects discussed should happen to be herself, and advised her to stay at home, and she concurred with me.” “You are a great fool, Dudley, to treat her in that fashion. I tell you there never was a woman in the world who could forgive it.” “I don't want her to forgive it, mother; there 's the mistake you are always making. The way she baffles me is by non-resistance. If I could once get her to resent something--anything--I could win the game.” “Perhaps some one might resent for her,” said she, dryly. “I ask nothing better. I have tried to bring it to that scores of times, but men have grown very cautious latterly. In the old days of duelling a fellow knew the cost of what he was doing; now that we have got juries and damages, a man thinks twice about an entanglement, without he be a very young fellow.”