"I can throw you in the way of getting plenty of briefs when you are my son-in-law. I promise you, you will no longer be a barrister with nothing to do."
"Yes, sir; but I want this before my marriage."
"My influence can give it to you before."
"But that was against our agreement, Mr. Harman. I want to find that brief which is to do so much for me without your help."
"Very well. Find it before the twentieth of June."
After this the two men were silent for several moments. John Hinton, though in no measure comforted, felt it impossible to say more just then, and Mr. Harman, with a face full of care, kept gazing into the fire. John Hinton might have watched that face with interest, had he not been otherwise occupied. After this short silence Mr. Harman spoke again.
"You think me very unselfish in all this; perhaps even my conduct surprises you."
"I confess it rather does," answered Hinton.
"Will you oblige me by saying how?"
"For one thing, you give so much and expect so little."