EGERTON.—“NO; I reserve that sum for another purpose.”
THE BARON (with a forced laugh).—“Perhaps to defend yourself against the actions you apprehend from me?”
EGERTON.—“You are mistaken. But to soothe your suspicions I will tell you plainly, that finding any sum I might have insured on my life would be liable to debts preincurred, and (as you will be my sole creditor) might thus at my death pass back to you; and doubting whether, indeed, any office would accept my insurance, I appropriate that sum to the relief of my conscience. I intend to bestow it, while yet in life, upon my late wife’s kinsman, Randal Leslie. And it is solely the wish to do what I consider an act of justice, that has prevailed with me to accept a favour from the hands of Harley L’Estrange, and to become again the member for Lansmere.”
THE BARON.—“Ha!—Lansmere! You will stand for Lansmere?”
EGERTON (wincing).—“I propose to do so.”
THE BARON.—“I believe you will be opposed, subjected to even a sharp contest. Perhaps you may lose your election.”
EGERTON.—“If so, I resign myself, and you can foreclose on my estates.”
THE BARON (his brow clearing).—“Look you, Egerton, I shall be too happy to do you a favour.”
EGERTON (with stateliness).—“Favour! No, Baron Levy, I ask from you no favour. Dismiss all thought of rendering me one. It is but a consideration of business on both sides. If you think it better that we shall at once settle our accounts, my lawyer shall investigate them. If you agree to the delay I request, my lawyer shall give you no trouble; and all that I have, except hope and character, pass to your hands without a struggle.”
THE BARON.—“Inflexible and ungracious, favour or not—put it as you will—I accede, provided, first, that you allow me to draw up a fresh deed, which will accomplish your part of the compact; and secondly, that we saddle the proposed delay with the condition that you do not lose your election.”