"No, sir, I found it open. I make no deductions and draw no conclusions,—but I left it locked and I found it open."
"I should make a deduction and draw a conclusion," said Dolly; "and that would be that somebody else had opened it."
"This can answer no purpose at all," said Bideawhile.
"It was but a chance remark," said Melmotte. "I did not come here out of the City at very great personal inconvenience to myself to squabble about the lock of the drawer. As I was informed that you three gentlemen would be here together, I thought the opportunity a suitable one for meeting you and making you an offer about this unfortunate business." He paused a moment; but neither of the three spoke. It did occur to Dolly to ask them to wait while he should fetch Squercum; but on second thoughts he reflected that a great deal of trouble would have to be taken, and probably for no good. "Mr. Bideawhile, I believe," suggested Melmotte; and the lawyer bowed his head. "If I remember rightly I wrote to you offering to pay the money due to your clients—"
"Squercum is my lawyer," said Dolly.
"That will make no difference."
"It makes a deal of difference," said Dolly.
"I wrote," continued Melmotte, "offering my bills at three and six months' date."
"They couldn't be accepted, Mr. Melmotte."
"I would have allowed interest. I never have had my bills refused before."