The words were spoken slowly, and with an emphasis upon each that showed Lynde Pyne very clearly that his guest meant every word he uttered, and more.
Pyne raised his foot, placed it upon a chair, and leaned his arm upon his knee with greatest nonchalance.
His eyes were fixed upon Chandler's calmly, almost coldly.
"Mr. Chandler," he said, impressively, "for several years I have been your attorney. You have always followed my advice implicitly in every instance, and there has never been a time when it has been incorrect! Am I right?"
"Yes."
"Then there is reason why you should listen to me in this. Do not press this case against Miss Cuyler. If you do you may regret it to the last day of your life. Withdraw the charges you have made against her."
"But I will not. Do you suppose that I will let a matter like that rest? Never, I tell you. Leonie Cuyler shall speak, or the whole weight of my fortune shall be turned against her. I direct you now to press this thing to the last extremity. Let no stone go unturned. Move heaven and earth to——"
"Pardon me, Mr. Chandler. It is useless for me to allow you to go further. If you persist in this heartless scheme I must resign from the case. I cannot act where my client refuses to follow my directions."
Chandler lifted his eyes aghast.
"What!" he gasped. "You throw up all the business that I have put into your hands because of that girl? You must be mad! Why, man, I will ruin you!"