Page:The Warden.djvu/137

Rh am here in my rectory; that a more futile attempt to destroy a man was never made, than this which you have made to ruin Mr. Harding. Here," and he slapped the paper on the table, "I have this opinion from the very first lawyer in the land; and under these circumstances you expect me to make you a low bow for your kind offer to release Mr. Harding from the toils of your net! Sir, your net is not strong enough to hold him; sir, your net has fallen to pieces, and you knew that well enough before I told you—and now, sir, I'll wish you good morning, for I'm busy."

Bold was now choking with passion; he had let the archdeacon run on, because he knew not with what words to interrupt him; but now that he had been so defied and insulted, he could not leave the room without some reply.

"Dr. Grantly," he commenced.

"I have nothing further to say or to hear," said the archdeacon; "I'll do myself the honour to order your horse:" and he rang the bell.

"I came here, Dr. Grantly, with the warmest, kindest feelings"

"Oh, of course you did; nobody doubts it."

"With the kindest feelings—and they have been most grossly outraged by your treatment."

"Of course they have—I have not chosen to see my father-in-law ruined; what an outrage that has been to your feelings!"

"The time will come, Dr. Grantly, when you will understand why I called upon you to-day."

"No doubt, no doubt. Is Mr. Bold's horse there? That's right, open the front door—good morning, Mr. Bold;" and the doctor stalked into his own drawing-room, closing the door behind him, and making it quite impossible that John Bold should speak another word.