an opinion like any other man; but when a lawyer
gives his advice--by the Lord Harry, sir, it's Professional! You're
welcome to my opinion in this matter; I have disguised it from nobody.
I believe there have been events in Miss Gwilt's career which (if they
could be discovered) would even make Mr. Armadale, infatuated as he is,
afraid to marry her--supposing, of course, that he really _is_ going to
marry her; for, though the appearances are in favor of it so far, it is
only an assumption, after all. As to the mode of proceeding by which the
blots on this woman's character might or might not be brought to
light in time--she may be married by license in a fortnight if she
likes--_that_ is a branch of the question on which I positively decline
to enter. It implies speaking in my character as a lawyer, and giving
you, what I decline positively to give you, my professional advice."

"Oh, sir, don't say that!" pleaded Mr. Bashwood. "Don't deny me the
great favor, the inestimable advantage of your advice! I have such a
poor head, Mr. Pedgift! I am so old and so slow, sir, and I get so sadly
startled and worried when I'm thrown out of my ordinary ways. It's quite
natural you should be a little impatient with me for taking up your
time--I know that time is money, to a clever man like you. Would you
excuse me--would you please excuse me, if I venture to say that I have
saved a little something, a few pounds, sir; and being quite lonely,
with nobody dependent on me, I'm sure I may spend my savings as I
please?" Blind to every consideration but the one consideration of
propitiating Mr. Pedgift, he took out a dingy, ragged old pocket-book,
and tried, with trembling fingers, to open it on the lawyer's table.

"Put your pocket-book back directly," said Pedgift Senior. "Richer men
than you have tried that argument with me, and have found that there is
such a thing (off the stage) as a lawyer who is not to be bribed. I will
have nothing to do with the case, under existing circumstances. If
you want to know why, I beg to inform you that Miss Gwilt ceased to
be professionally interesting to me on the day when I ceased to be Mr.
Armadale's lawyer. I may have other reasons besides, which I don't think
it necessary to mention. The reason already given is explicit enough.
Go your own way, and take your responsibility on your own shoulders.
You _may_ venture within reach of Miss Gwilt's claws and come out again
without being scratched. Time