"Am I obliged to give it?"
"Oh, if you think it inexpedient——"
"I think it unnecessary," said the witness, emphatically. "I think it has nothing whatever to do with the case."
"In that case, Sir Wilton, we shall be only too happy not to press the point."
Carlton had a great mind to press it himself. He had invited his enemy to build the church out of his own pocket. The invitation had been declined. Would it also be denied? Carlton was curious to see; but he overcame his curiosity. It would not strengthen his defence, and to mere revenge he must not stoop. So one temptation was resisted, and one advantage thrown away, even in the final phase of the long duel between these good fighters. But the other saw the struggle, and felt as he had done when Carlton had returned him his stick in the ruins of the church.
"And did you decline?" repeated Carlton, in identically the same voice as before.
"I did."
"Did I then point out to you that I was not only entitled, but might be compelled, to keep my chancel, at any rate, 'in good and substantial repair, restoring and rebuilding when necessary'? I quote the Act, your worships, as I quoted it then. Do you remember, Sir Wilton?"
"I do."
"I made the point as plain as I have made it now?"