But their discussion of it was speedily interrupted by the clashing of triumphant bells and distant shouting.
They ran out to see what it was. Bassett, half suspecting, hung back; but Mary Gosport's keen eye detected him, and she held up the heir to him, with hate and triumph blazing in her face.
He crept into his own house and sank into a chair foudroye.
Wheeler, however, roused him to a necessary effort, and next day they took the Declaration to counsel, to settle their defense in due form.
“What is this?” said the learned gentleman. “Three counts! Why, I advised you to discharge him at once.”
“Yes,” said Wheeler, “and excellent advice it was. But my client—”
“Preferred to go his own road. And now I am to cure the error I did what I could to prevent.”
“I dare say, sir, it is not the first time in your experience.”
“Not by a great many. Clients, in general, have a great contempt for the notion that prevention is better than cure.”
“He can't hurt me,” said Bassett, impatiently. “He was separately examined by two doctors, and all the provisions of the statute exactly complied with.”