cely holds,
for when he negotiated the sale of his reversion he was next of kin
beyond dispute."

"I wonder what would become of you if you could not cavil. I never knew
any man so fond of a contradiction."

"Be just, and admit that you give me some splendid opportunities. No, I
'll not let you have more wine. Kelson's letter must be answered, and we
must think seriously over what is to be done."

"_Ma foi!_ there is nothing to be done. Mr. Bramleigh challenges me to
a duel, because he knows I have no arms. He appeals to the law, which is
the very costliest of all the costly things in your dear country. If
you could persuade him to believe that this is not fair--not even
generous--perhaps he would have the good manners to quit the premises
and send me the key. Short of that, I see nothing to be done."

"I have told you already, and I tell you once more, if Kelson is of
opinion that your case is good enough to go to trial, you shall not want
funds to meet law expenses."

"He has told me so, over and over. He has said he shall try the case
by--what is it you call it?"

"I know what you mean; he will proceed by ejectment to try title."

"This need not cost very heavily, and will serve to open the
campaign. He will put me on 'the table,' as he calls it, and I shall
be interrogated, and worried, and tormented--perhaps, too, insulted, at
times; and I am to keep my temper, resent nothing--not even when
they impugn my honor or my truthfulness--for that there are two grand
principles of British law; one is, no man need say any ill of himself,
nor is he ever to mind what ill another may say of him."

"Did he tell you that?" said Longworth, laughing.

"Not exactly in these words, but it amounted to the same. Do give me a
little wine; I am hoarse with talking."

"Not a drop. Tell me now, where are these letters, and that journal of
your grandfather's that you showed me?"

"Kelson has them all. Kelson has everything. When I believed the affair
to be ended, I told him he might do what he pleased with them, if he
only restored to me that colored sketch of my beautiful grandmother."

"There, there! don't get emotional, or I have done with you. I will
write to Kelson to-day. Leave all to us and don't meddle in any way."

"That you may rely upon with confidence. No one ever yet accused me of
occupying myself with anything I could possibly avoid. Do you want me
any more?"

"I don't think so; but why do you ask? Where are