And I think I
can make myself more useful to you. Walter, your father has set his
lawyer on to Mr. Bartley, and what is the consequence? Mr. Bartley
forbids Mary to speak to you, and the next thing will be a summons,
lawsuit, and a great defeat, and loss to your father and you. Mr. Bartley
sent me the lawyer's letter. He hopes to get out of a clear contract by
pleading a surprise. Now you must go to the lawyer--it is no use arguing
with your father in his present heat--and you must assure him there has
been no surprise. Why, I called on Colonel Clifford years ago, and told
him there was coal on that farm; and I almost went on my knees to him to
profit by it."
"You don't say that, Mr. Hope?"
"I do say it, and I shall have to swear it. You may be sure Mr. Bartley
will subpoena me, if this wretched squabble gets into court."
"But what did my father say to you?"
"He was kind and courteous to me. I was poor as a rat, and dusty with
travel--on foot; and he was a fine gentleman, as he always is, when he is
not in too great a passion.
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