"I conjecture that Dingwell wants more money, and can't be got out of London without it," said Cleve.
"Eh? Well, that did occur to me; of course, that's plain enough—about it—and what a man that must be! and—God bless me! about it—all the money he has got from me! It's incredible, Mr.—a—Larkin, three hundred pounds, you know, and he wanted five, and that absurdly enormous weekly payment besides!"
"Your lordship has exactly, as usual, touched the point, and anticipated, with your wonted accuracy, the line at the other side; and indeed, I may also say, all that may be urged by way of argument, pro and con. It is a wonderful faculty!" added Mr. Larkin, looking down with a contemplative smile, and a little wondering shake of the head.
"Ha, ha! Something of the same sort has been remarked in our family about it," said the Viscount, much pleased. "It facilitates business, rather, I should hope—about it."
The attorney shook his head, reflectively, raising his hands, and said, "No one but a professional man can have an idea!"
"And what do you suggest?" asked Cleve, who was perhaps a little tired of the attorney's compliments.
"Yes, what do you suggest, Mr.—Mr. Larkin? Your suggestion I should be prepared to consider. Anything, Mr. Larkin, suggested by you shall be considered," said Lord Verney grandly, leaning back in his chair, and folding his hands.
"I am much—very much—flattered by your lordship's confidence. The former money, I have reason to think, my lord, went to satisfy an old debt, and I have reason to know that his den has been discovered by another creditor, from whom, even were funds at his disposal to leave England to-night, escape would be difficult, if not impossible."
"How much money does he want?" asked Mr. Cleve Verney.
"A moment, a moment, please. I was going to say," said Lord Verney, "if he wants money—about it—it would be desirable to state the amount."