“Because what, sir?” exclaimed Markworth, turning round abruptly on poor little Sequence, who of course had not a word to say for himself until his principal gave him the cue.
Mr Trump came gallantly to the rescue.
“We sent for you, Mr Markworth, because we wished to have some conversation on the subject of the case put down for the present term of Markworth versus Hartshorne. We represent the defendant, as you know.”
“Certainly, Mr Trump; but don’t you think you had better consult my solicitor, as the matter is entirely out of my hands?”
“Hum! I think you’ll agree with us after hearing what we have to say, that the communication which we have to make had better be addressed to you in the first instance.”
“You wish to compromise the thing, I suppose?”
“Pray don’t be so hasty, my dear sir,” responded Trump, still smiling affably.
And “My dear sir!” chimed in Sequence, as usual.
“We don’t suppose anything, and we don’t pledge or commit ourselves to anything. Don’t be so hasty, my dear sir; it’s very unprofessional, very unprofessional.”
And “Very unprofessional,” squeaked Sequence.