"Really," said Mr. Runnington, when he had read over the above to his partners, "I _must_ throw in a word or two about those accursed mesne profits--yet it's a very ticklish subject, especially with such people as these--eh?" One partner shook his head, and the other looked very thoughtful. "We must not compromise Mr. Aubrey," said the former of the two. "We have had no instructions on that point," said the latter,--"on the contrary, you told us yourself that your instructions were to announce an unconditional surrender." "That may be; but in so desperate a business as this, I do think we have a discretion to exercise on behalf of himself and family, which I must say, he seems quite incapable of exercising himself. Nay, upon my honor, I think we are _bound_ not to forego the slightest opportunity of securing an advantage for our client in this unrighteous claim!" His partners seemed struck with his observation; and Mr. Runnington, after a few moments' consideration, added the following postscript:-- "P. S.--As to the _mesne profits_, by the way, of course we anticipate no difficulty in effecting an amicable arrangement satisfactory to both parties, due consideration being had for the critical position in which our client finds himself placed so suddenly and unexpectedly. Indeed, it is not difficult to conceive that Mr. Aubrey, in taking the step of which we have above advised you, must have contemplated"----(here Mr. Runnington paused for a considerable time,) "being met in a similar frank, liberal, and equitable spirit." It was agreed, at length, that the whole amount and effect of the above postscript ought to be regarded as a spontaneous suggestion of Messrs. Runnington, not in any way implicating, or calculated in any event to annoy, Mr. Aubrey; and a fair copy of the letter and postscript having been made, it was signed by the head of the firm, and forthwith despatched to Saffron Hill. "Struck, by Jove, Gammon!" exclaimed Mr. Quirk, as, with the above letter open in his hands, he hurried, the instant after he had read it, into the room of his wily partner, and threw it down exultingly before him. Gammon read it with apparent calmness, but a slight flush overspread his cheek; and, as he finished the perusal, a subdued smile of excitement and triumph stole over his acute and placid countenance. "Lord, Gammon! isn't it glorious?" quoth Mr. Quirk, heatedly, rubbing his hands together; "give us your hand, friend Gammon! We've fought a precious hard battle together"--and he shook his partner's hand with vehement cordiality. "This fellow Aubrey is a trump--isn't he?--Egad, if I'd been in his shoes--one way or another, I'd have stuck at Yatton for a dozen years to come--ah, ha!" "Yes, I am sure you would--if you had been able," replied Gammon, dryly, and with a smile--the real character of which was not perceived by Mr. Quirk.