"Of course we desire to serve his interest."
"And with that view, Mr. Round, is it not possible that we might come to some compromise?"
"What;—by giving up part of the property?"
"By giving up all the property," said Sir Peregrine, with considerable emphasis.
"Whew-w-w." Mr. Round at the moment made no other answer than this, which terminated in a low whistle.
"Better that, at once, than that she should die broken-hearted," said Sir Peregrine.
There was then silence between them for a minute or two, after which Mr. Round, turning himself round in his chair so as to face his visitor more fully, spoke as follows. "I told you just now, Sir Peregrine, that I was Mr. Mason's attorney, and I must now tell you, that as regards this interview between you and me, I will not hold myself as being in that position. What you have said shall be as though it had not been said; and as I am not, myself, taking any part in the proceedings, this may with absolute strictness be the case. But—"
"If I have said anything that I ought not to have said—" began Sir Peregrine.
"Allow me for one moment," continued Mr. Round. "The fault is mine, if there be a fault, as I should have explained to you that the matter could hardly be discussed with propriety between us."
"Mr. Round, I offer you my apology from the bottom of my heart."