For my part, I was regularly worn out. I had worked very hard, and felt as if I was so deeply interested in the success that I must make it this time a foregone conclusion. Hallett's health worried me a great, deal too, and in addition to this, I was in more trouble than I can very well express about my affair with Mr Blakeford. My objections to the proceedings had come too late. As Tom Girtley said, it was quite within our province to withdraw, and leave him in possession of his ill-gotten gains, but the attack upon his character as a solicitor was one which he was bound to disprove--in other words, he could not afford to let it drop. "And what is he doing?" I asked. "Riding the high horse," said Tom. "Tony, my boy, I think you are wrong." "If Linny's father were alive, and he had injured you, Tom, would you seize the first opportunity to ruin him?" "Am I to answer that question as solicitor to client, or between friends?" "As you like, only let's have the truth." Tom Girtley rubbed one of his ears, and a dry comical look came into his countenance. "Well, Tony, old fellow--" he began. "Oh, come," I cried, "that form of address is not legal, so it is between friends." "Just as you like," he said, laughing. "Well, Tony, old fellow, under the circumstances, I should put the screw on, especially if I knew him to be a scoundrel. First and foremost, I should have his consent to our marriage; secondly, I should inspect his money affairs, and if they were in a satisfactory state, I should make the sneak disgorge." "But you would not ruin him, and blast his character, for his child's sake?" "No, of course not." "Then, suppose the young lady did not care for you?" "Then I should fire at the old man hotter and stronger, so us to ease my wounded feelings." "No, you wouldn't, Tom," I said; "so don't humbug." "You're a rum fellow, Tony," he retorted, "and 'pon my word it's precious disappointing. Here's old Peter Rowle been hoarding this up for his `dear boy,' as the smoky old cockolorum calls you, and old Jabez in a high state of delight too. Then Miss Carr has spent no end over it, and thought she had secured you your rights, and now you kick us all over." "I can't help it, Tom," I said. "I feel as if I should be a brute if I went on." "I say, Tony," he said, after a pause, "how long is it since you have seen the young lady?" "Nine years." "What do you say to a run down to Rowford?" "Run down?" I said eagerly. "No, I could not. I am too busy over the preparations for the trial." "Nonsense, man. You told me only yesterday that you had done all your part, and that you meant to take a rest. I should like a run in the country." "At Miss Carr's expense," I said spitefully, "and charge it in her bill of costs as out of pocket."