lordship," said I.

"Ay, true," says the Advocate. "But, you see, you come to me well
recommended. There is a good honest Whig name to this letter,"
says he, picking it up a moment from the table. "And--extra-
judicially, Mr, Balfour--there is always the possibility of some
arrangement, I tell you, and I tell you beforehand that you may be
the more upon your guard, your fate lies with me singly. In such a
matter (be it said with reverence) I am more powerful than the
King's Majesty; and should you please me--and of course satisfy my
conscience--in what remains to be held of our interview, I tell you
it may remain between ourselves."

"Meaning how?" I asked.

"Why, I mean it thus, Mr. Balfour," said he, "that if you give
satisfaction, no soul need know so much as that you visited my
house; and you may observe that I do not even call my clerk."

I saw what way he was driving. "I suppose it is needless anyone
should be informed upon my visit," said I, "though the precise
nature of my gains by that I cannot see. I am not at all ashamed
of coming here."

"And have no cause to be," says he, encouragingly. "Nor yet (if
you are careful) to fear the consequences."

"My lord," said I, "speaking under your correction, I am not very
easy to be frightened."