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Rh Mr. Furnival, though I believe he means well. He thinks that he has been ill used; and perhaps he was ill used—by his father.'

'But that can be no possible reason for badgering the life out of his father's widow twenty years after his father's death!'

'Of course he thinks that he has some new evidence. I can't say I looked into the matter much myself. I did read the letter; but that was all, and then I handed it to my son. As far as I remember, Mr. Mason said that some attorney at Hamworth had been to him.'

'Exactly; a low fellow whom you would be ashamed to see in your office! He fancies that young Mason has injured him; and though he has received numberless benefits from Lady Mason, this is the way in which he chooses to be revenged on her son,'

'We should have nothing to do with such a matter as that, you know. It's not our line.'

'No, of course it is not; I am well aware of that. And I am equally well aware that nothing Mr, Mason can do can shake Lady Mason's title, or rather her son's title, to the property. But, Mr. Round, if he be encouraged to gratify his malice'

'If who be encouraged?'

'Your client, Mr. Mason of Groby;—there can be no doubt that he might harass this unfortunate lady till he brought her nearly to the grave.'

'That would be a pity, for I believe she's still an uncommon pretty woman.' And the attorney indulged in a little fat inward chuckle; for in these days Mr. Furniyal's taste with reference to strange goddesses was beginning to be understood by the profession.

'She is a very old friend of mine,' said Mr, Furnival, gravely, 'a very old friend indeed; and if I were to desert her now, she would have no one to whom she could look.'

'Oh, ah, yes; I'm sure you're very kind;' and Mr. Round altered his face and tone, so that they might be in conformity with those of his companion. 'Anything I can do, of course I shall be very happy. I should be slow, myself, to advise my client to try the matter again, but to tell the truth anything of this kind would go to my son now. I did read Mr, Mason's letter, but I immediately handed it to Matthew.'

'I will tell you how you can oblige me, Mr. Round.'

'Do tell me; I am sure I shall be very happy.'

'Look into this matter yourself, and talk it over with Mr. Mason before you allow anything to be done. It is not that I doubt your son's discretion. Indeed we all know what an exceedingly good man of business he is.'

'Matthew is sharp enough,' said the prosperous father.

'But then young men are apt to be too sharp. I don't know whether you remember the case about that Orley Farm, Mr. Round.'