"For begging my pardon."
"Come, that is all nonsense, Mr. Lyman. Tell my wife that I'll be ready in a moment," he shouted with his head thrust in at the door. "The most absurd of nonsense," he said, turning back to Lyman. "It will raise a horse laugh throughout the county, and will then be dismissed as a good joke on me. Yes, sir, on me. And now will you agree to conform to the requirements of that ridiculous legislature, and sign the petition to the court?"
"I haven't been informed that the legislature requires me to sign any petition. And I have no favors to ask of the court."
"Is it possible, Mr. Lyman, that you do not see the necessity of it?"
"And is it possible, Mr. McElwin, that you do not see the humor of it?"
"The absurdity, yes. But I see no fun in it. I am a dignified man, sir."
"Of course you tell me this in confidence—that you are a dignified man. All right—I won't say anything about it. But even dignity sometimes stands in need of advice. Go home and get a good night's sleep."
"Do you mean that you won't agree—"
"Not tonight."
"Mr. Lyman, I have heard that you are one of the kindest hearted of men."