"I am of opinion, therefore, that if this case is brought into court there will be pleadings on either side of great interest, and that the court will decide in favour of A.; that if the case goes up for appeal it will again be decided in favour of A.; and that if the case were taken up to the lords that court would also decide in favour of A.
"If action is taken it must be at the cost and charge of the guardian, because the lady's property, in default of settlements, would, in the event which I think probable, fall into the hands of A. thus adjudged to be her husband.
"I advise, therefore, that submission be made to A.; that even though B. continues to deny the marriage, A. shall be invited to make her a suitable provision and shall undertake not to molest her or to compel her to leave her guardian and to live with him."
With this opinion to guide him, the vicar wrote to Lord Fylingdale asking for an interview.
He was received with a show of cold politeness. "You have given me reason, sir, to remember your face. However, I pass over the injuries which you allowed yourself to utter. You are come, I presume, in the name of my unfortunate wife, who, for some reason unknown to me, denies her own marriage. Well, sir, your message?"
"My message, my lord, is briefly this. We have taken counsel's opinion on this business."
"So have I."
"It is, on the whole, to the effect that if we dispute your lordship's claims we shall probably lose."
"My own counsel is also of that opinion."
"For my own part I shall advise my friends to accept what seems impossible to deny."