[BOOK VII.--RETRIBUTION]
CHAPTER I
[JOHN VANBRUGH AND THE ADVOCATE]
"A stormy night to seek you out," said John Vanbrugh, "and to renew an old friendship----"
"Stop there," interrupted the Advocate. "I admit no idea of a renewal of friendship between us."
"You reject my friendship?" asked Vanbrugh, wiping the blood and dirt from his face.
"Distinctly."
"So be it. Our interview shall be conducted without a thought of friendship, though some reference to the old days cannot be avoided. I make no apology for presenting myself in this condition. Man can no more rule the storm than he can the circumstances of his life. I have run some distance through the rain, and I have been attacked and almost killed. You perceive that I am exhausted, yet you do not offer me wine. You have it, I know, in that snug cupboard there. May I help myself? Thank you. Ah, there's a smack of youth in this liquor. It is life to one who has passed through such dangers as have encompassed me. You received my letter asking for an interview? I gave it myself into your hands on the last evening of the trial."
"I received it."
"Yet you were unwilling to accord me an interview."