'But still;—all that you can want is your client's interest.'
'Of course we desire to serve his interest.'
'And with that view, Mr. Round, is it not possible that we might come to some compromise?'
'What;—by giving up part of the property?'
'By giving up all the property,' said Sir Peregrine, with considerable emphasis.
'Whew—w—w.' Mr. Round at the moment made no other answer than this, which terminated in a low whistle.
'Better that, at once, than that she should die broken-hearted,' said Sir Peregrine.
There was then silence between them for a minute or two, after which Mr. Round, turning himself round in his chair so as to face his visitor more fully, spoke as follows. 'I told you just now, Sir Peregrine, that I was Mr. Mason's attorney, and I must now tell you, that as regards this interview between you and me, I will not hold myself as being in that position. What you have said shall be as though it had not been said; and as I am not, myself, taking any part in the proceedings, this may with absolute strictness be the case. But———'
'If I have said anything that I ought not to have said—' began Sir Peregrine.
'Allow me for one moment,' continued Mr. Round. 'The fault is mine, if there be a fault, as I should have explained to you that the matter could hardly be discussed with propriety between us.'
'Mr. Round, I offer you my apology from the bottom of my heart.'
'No, Sir Peregrine. You shall offer me no apology, nor will I accept any. I know no words strong enough to convey to you my esteem and respect for your character.'
'Sir!'
'But I will ask you to listen to me for a moment. If any compromise be contemplated, it should be arranged by the advice of Mr. Furnival and of Mr. Chaffanbrass, and the terms should be settled between Mr. Aram and my son. But I cannot myself say that I see any possibility of such a result. It is not however for me to advise. If on that matter you wish for advice, I think that you had better see Mr. Furnival.'
'Ah!' said Sir Peregrine, telling more and more of the story by every utterance he made.
'And now it only remains for me to assure you once more that the words which have been spoken in this room shall be as though they had not been spoken.' And then Mr. Round made it very clear that there was nothing more to be said between them on the subject of Lady Mason. Sir Peregrine repeated his apology, collected his hat and gloves, and with slow step made his way down
