The young attorney would have named an early day for the marriage, but the lady was in no hurry. The ensuing spring she thought quite time enough. It was then midsummer. Delicacy forbade his urging the matter, and so he submitted to lie out of her handsome fortune for six or eight months, with as good a grace as possible.
The lawyer of old Mr. Harrison called upon that gentleman on the morning following his interview with Dunbar.
"He has declined the proposition," said Harrison, as soon as the attorney appeared.
"Has he, indeed?"
"Yes. Here is his note, declaring it his intention, under advice of counsel, to prosecute the matter to a decision."
"He has good counsel, and will, doubtless, run us hard, though I by no means consider the case desperate. If a compromise could be effected, however, I cannot but think it would be the wisest for us to accept it."
"But how is it to be brought about?"
"Every man has his price."
"So I hold."
"And this Dunbar among the rest."