Sewell bowed acquiescence. As he stood at the half-open door, he was disposed to offer his hand. It was a bold step, but he knew if it should succeed it would be a great victory. The opportunity was too good to be lost, and just as Sir Brook turned to say good-morning, Sewell, like one carried away by a sudden impulse, held out his hand, and said, “You may trust me, Sir Brook.”
“If you wish me to do so, sir, let me not touch your hand,” said the old man, with a look of stern and haughty defiance, and he strode out without a farewell.
Sewell staggered back into the room and sat down. A clammy cold perspiration covered his face and forehead, for the rancor that filled his heart sickened him like a malady. “You shall pay for this, by heaven! you shall,” muttered he, as he wiped the great drops from his brow. “The old fool himself has taught me where he was vulnerable, and as I live he shall feel it.”
“His Lordship wants to see you, sir; he is in the garden,” said a servant; and Sewell rose and followed him. He stopped twice as he went to compose his features and regain his calm. On the last time he even rehearsed the few words and the smile by which he meant to accost the Judge. The little artifice was, however, forestalled, as Sir William met him abruptly with the words, “What a time you have been, sir,—forty-eight minutes by my watch!”
“I assure you, my Lord, I'd have made it shorter if I could,” said Sewell, with a smile of some significance.
“I am unable to see why you could not have done so. The charge I gave you was to report to me, not to negotiate on your own part.”
“Nor did I, my Lord. Sir Brook Fossbrooke distinctly declared that he would only communicate with yourself personally,—that what he desired to say referred to yourself, and should be answered by yourself.”
“On hearing which, sir, you withdrew?”
“So far as your Lordship was concerned, no more was said between us. What passed after this I may be permitted to call private.”
“What, sir! You see a person in my house, at my instance, and with my instructions,—who comes to see and confer with me; and you have the hardihood to tell me that you took that opportunity to discuss questions which you call private!”