“Gentlemen in our profession are constrained to undertake commissions which at times may be neither pleasing nor palatable to them. I will do my best to further your views.”
The earl bowed, and then said, in a quieter tone—
“There is another little matter, Mr. Chicknell. We have to attend to this picture-frame maker, Mr. Peace. He has been of essential service to us, and certainly deserves some recompense.”
“Certainly; that was understood.”
“What do you propose?”
“He’s a poor man. Fifty pounds would be deemed a liberal recompense.”
“I will get you to take him a cheque for a hundred.”
“Ah, that will be ample—more than sufficient.”
“You will see what he says—how he receives it.”
The lawyer nodded. The earl drew the cheque, and handed it to Chicknell.