"Yes; an entire change of scene would be highly serviceable in diverting your thoughts from the distressing subjects which here occupy them, and must continue to occupy them for some time to come. Can there be a doubt of it?" "It is very kindly meant, Lord C----; but do you really think I can for a single moment entertain the idea of quitting the country to escape from pecuniary liability?" "That's the point, exactly; I decidedly think you ought to do so; that you _must_," replied Lord C----, in a matter-of-fact manner. "Nothing upon earth shall induce me to do so," replied Mr. Aubrey, firmly. "The bare idea shocks me. It would be the meanest, most unprincipled conduct--it would reflect disgrace on the king's service." "Poh--this is mere eccentricity--knight-errantry; I'm sure that when you are in a calmer mood you will think differently. Upon my honor, I never heard of such absurdity as yours, in my life. Are you to stay at home, to have your hands tied behind your back, and be thrust into prison--to court destruction for yourself and your family?" Mr. Aubrey turned aside his head, and remained silent. "I must plead in favor of Mrs. Aubrey--your children--your sweet lovely sister;--good God! it's quite shocking to think of what you are bringing them to." "You torture my feelings, Lord C----," said Mr. Aubrey, tremulously and very pale; "but you do not convince my judgment. Every dictate of conscience and honor combines to assure me that I should not listen to your proposal." "Good God! what an outrage on common sense!--But has anything been yet said on the subject of these liabilities--these _mesne_ profits, as I think you said they are called?" "Nothing; but they follow as a matter of course." "How is it that you owe _only_ sixty thousand pounds, Aubrey?" "_Only_ sixty thousand!" echoed Mr. Aubrey, amazedly. "At the rate of ten thousand a-year, you must have had at least a hundred thousand pounds of the money belonging to your successor"---- "The statute of limitations prevents more than six years' arrears being recoverable." "But do you intend, Aubrey, to avail yourself of such a protection against the just claims of this poor, unfortunate, ill-used gentleman? Are not the remaining forty thousand pounds justly due--money of his which you have been making away with? Will you let a mere technical rule of law outweigh the dictates of honor and conscience?" "I really don't exactly understand your drift, Lord C----," said Mr. Aubrey, coloring visibly.