"The documents to which I allude are in reference to my confidential family matters; and I certainly shall not produce them without knowing on what ground I am standing."
"Of course you are aware, Mr. Dockwrath, that we could compel you."
"There, Mr. Round, I must be allowed to differ."
"It won't come to that, of course. If you have anything worth showing, you'll show it; and if we make use of you as a witness, it must be as a willing witness."
"I don't think it probable that I shall be a witness in the matter at all."
"Ah, well; perhaps not. My own impression is that no case will be made out; that there will be nothing to take before a jury."
"There again, I must differ from you, Mr. Round."
"Oh, of course! I suppose the real fact is, that it is a matter of money. You want to be paid for what information you have got. That is about the long and the short of it; eh, Mr. Dockwrath?"
"I don't know what you call the long and the short of it, Mr. Round; or what may be your way of doing business. As a professional man, of course I expect to be paid for my work;—and I have no doubt that you expect the same."
"No doubt, Mr. Dockwrath; but—as you have made the comparison, I hope you will excuse me for saying so—we always wait till our clients come to us."