iumph), it has been decided that a
solicitor is not bound to afford such information as you ask, to the
injury of his client."

"Then you mean that this poor Molinos may rot and starve, while you keep
secret from him, at his wife's request, his title to an income, and that
the Court of Chancery will back you in this iniquity?"

I kept repeating the word "starve," because I saw it made my respectable
opponent wince.

"Well, then, just listen to me. I know that in the happy state of your
equity law, chancery can't help my client; but I have another plan: I
shall go hence to my office, issue a writ, and take your client's husband
in execution--as soon as he is lodged in jail, I shall file his schedule in
the Insolvent Court, and when he comes up for his discharge, I shall put
you in the witness-box, and examine you on oath, 'touching any property of
which you know the insolvent to be possessed,' and where will be your
privileged communications then?"

The respectable Leasem's face lengthened in a twinkling, his comfortable
confident air vanished, he ceased twiddling his gold chain, and, at
length, he muttered,

"Suppose we pay the debt?"

"Why, then, I'll arrest him the day after for another."

"But, my dear Mr. Discount, surely such conduct would not be quite
respectable."

"That's my business; my client has been wronged, I am determined to right
him, and when the aristocratic firm, of Leasem and Fashun takes refuge
according to the custom of respectable repudiators, in the cool arbors of
the Court of Chancery, why, a mere bill-discounting attorney like David
Discount need not hesitate about cutting a bludgeon out of the Insolvent
Court."

"Well, well, Mr. D., you are so warm--so fiery; we must deliberate--we must
consult. You will give me until the day after to-morrow, and then we'll
write you our final determination; in the meantime, send us a copy of your
authority to act for Mr. Molinos Fitz-Roy."

Of course, I lost no time in getting the gentleman beggar to sign a proper
letter.

On the appointed day came a communication with the L. and F. seal, which I
opened, not without unprofessional eagerness. It was as follows:

"_In re Molinos Fitz-Roy and Another._

"Sir--In answer to your application on behalf of Mr. Molinos Fitz-Roy, we
beg to inform you that under the administration of a paternal aunt who
died intestate, your client is entitled to two thousand five hundred
pounds eight shillings and sixpen