Uttering all sorts of miserable excuses for his conduct, he requested that we should retire to a private room, with a view to an explanation and settlement.
I readily acceded to this, and now felt somewhat hopeful of bringing the business to a satisfactory conclusion.
I soon discovered that in this I was fated to be disappointed; for, shortly after we were closeted, he again assumed a bold appearance, and seemed disposed to justify his conduct rather than make any reparation for what he had done.
His principal anxiety appeared to be to avoid exposure before the inmates of the hotel.
This afforded me an opportunity for suggesting a movement I was anxious to effect—viz., an adjournment to the office of my legal advisers.
Taking his arm in mine, and requesting the detectives to follow closely, we left the hotel.
After we reached Mr. Roe’s office, nearly two hours were expended in vain attempts to induce the delinquent to accede to some equitable terms of settlement.
He at first appeared very penitent, and, in the midst of his tears, declared that it was his intention, as far as lay in his power, to act honourably to everyone; he begged again and again to be allowed to return to his wife, who, being ignorant of the state of affairs, would be suffering great anxiety from his prolonged absence.
He seemed so sincere in his protestations, that Mr. Roe suggested that I should accede to his request.
This was a moment of great difficulty to me. I did not wish to be unnecessarily severe; neither did I wish to act in opposition to the advice given me by Mr. Roe.