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."
EGERTON.—"Agreed. Have you anything further to say?"
THE BARON.—"Nothing, except that, if you require more money, I am still at your service."
EGERTON.—"I thank you. No; I shall take the occasion of my retirement from office to reduce my establishment. I have calculated already, and provided for the expenditure I need, up to the date I have specified, and I shall have no occasion to touch the L5,000 that I still retain."