"Not wishing," he said, "to behave in any unhandsome manner, I send
you herewith" (herewith meant the keys of River Hall and his letter)
"a cheque for one half-year's rent. You must know that, had I been
aware of the antecedents of the place, I should never have become
your tenant; and I must say, considering I have a wife in delicate
health, and young children, the deception practised by your lawyers
in concealing the fact that no previous occupant has been able to
remain in the house, seems most unpardonable. I am a soldier, and,
to me, these trade tricks appear dishonourable. Still, as I
understand your position is an exceptional one, I am willing to
forgive the wrong which has been done, and to pay six months' rent
for a house I shall no longer occupy. In the event of these
concessions appearing insufficient, I beg to enclose the names of my
solicitors, and have the honour, madam, to remain

"Your most obedient servant,

"HERCULES MORRIS."

In order to gain time, I read this letter twice over; then,
diplomatically, as I thought, I said:

"What are you going to do, Miss Blake?"

"What are _you_ going to do, is much nearer the point, I am thinking!"
retorted that lady. "Do you imagine there is so much pleasure or profit
in keeping a lawyer, that people want to do lawyer's work for
themselves?"