Mr. Kosts. I am afraid not, your Grace. And yet Mr. Needy is a sharp and clever young gentleman. Good day, your Grace!
The Duke (after a moment’s thought, suddenly). One moment, Mr. Kosts. Did I understand you to say that the two branches of the legal profession were amalgamated?
Mr. Kosts. To all intents and purposes, your Grace. You see we can now do all the work of the Bar.
The Duke. And I suppose barristers can act as solicitors—I mean, undertake the same kind of business?
Mr. Kosts (laughing). There is nothing to prevent them, your Grace, save their incapacity.
The Duke (with dignity). No relative of the Duchess, Mr. Kosts, can be incapable!
Mr. Kosts (puzzled). I beg your Grace’s pardon. I do not quite understand——
The Duke. Then I will explain. You tell me that barristers can now act as solicitors. Well, you know the old adage, that “blood is thicker than water.” It is, Mr. Kosts; it is. You will pardon me, I am sure, if I suggest that the connection of your firm with my family has not been unlucrative.
Mr. Kosts. On the contrary, your Grace! I may fairly say that the connection is worth many hundreds a-year to us. We cannot be sufficiently grateful.
The Duke. Pray desist, Mr. Kosts. The matter is one of pure business. It really is not at all a question of gratitude. Well, as I understand you to say that Mr. Needy is quite qualified to undertake solicitor’s work——