"Whenever you please, sir," replied Nicholas, good-humouredly, tapping the hilt of his sword.
"Not in that way," cried Potts, darting quickly back. "I never fight with those weapons—never. Our dispute must be settled in a court of law, sir—in a court of law. You understand, Master Nicholas?"
"There is a shrewd maxim, Master Potts, that he who is his own lawyer has a fool for his client," observed Nicholas, drily. "Would it not be better to stick to the defence of others, rather than practise in your own behalf?"
"You have expressed my opinion, Master Nicholas," observed Roger Nowell; "and I hope Master Potts will not commence any action on his own account till he has finished my business."
"Assuredly not, sir, since you desire it," replied the attorney, obsequiously. "But my motives must not be mistaken. I have a clear case of assault and battery against Master Nicholas Assheton, or I may proceed against him criminally for an attempt on my life."
"Have you given him no provocation, sir?" demanded Sir Ralph, sternly.
"No provocation can justify the treatment I have experienced, Sir Ralph," replied Potts. "However, to show I am a man of peace, and harbour no resentment, however just grounds I may have for such a feeling, I am willing to make up the matter with Master Nicholas, provided—"
"He offers you a handsome consideration, eh?" said the squire.
"Provided he offers me a handsome apology—such as a gentleman may accept," rejoined Potts, consequentially.
"And which he will not refuse, I am sure," said Sir Ralph, glancing at his cousin.