"We are also instructed to request the delivery of your bill at as early a period as may suit your convenience, with a view to its immediate examination and settlement.
"We cannot forbear adding, while thus implicitly following the instructions of our client, our very great surprise and regret at the course which he has thought fit to adopt; since we have the strongest reasons for believing, that had he been disposed to contest your client's claim farther, in accordance with advice received from a high quarter, his case would have been materially strengthened, and your difficulties greatly increased, and rendered, in fact, absolutely insuperable. We feel confident that the magnanimity displayed by our client, will be duly appreciated by _yours_.
"We are, Gentlemen, your obedient servants,
"Really," said Mr. Runnington, when he had read over the above to his partners, "I _must_ throw in a word or two about those accursed mesne profits--yet it's a very ticklish subject, especially with such people as these--eh?"
One partner shook his head, and the other looked very thoughtful.
"We must not compromise Mr. Aubrey," said the former of the two.
"We have had no instructions on that point," said the latter,--"on the contrary, you told us yourself that your instructions were to announce an unconditional surrender."
"That may be; but in so desperate a business as this, I do think we have a discretion to exercise on behalf of himself and family, which I must say, he seems quite incapable of exercising himself. Nay, upon my honor, I think we are _bound_ not to forego the slightest opportunity of securing an advantage for our client in this unrighteous claim!"
His partners seemed struck with his observation; and Mr. Runnington, after a few moments' consideration, added the following postscript:--
"P. S.--As to the _mesne profits_, by the way, of course we anticipate no difficulty in effecting an amicable arrangement satisfactory to both parties, due consideration being had for the critical position in which our client finds himself placed so suddenly and unexpectedly. Indeed, it is not difficult to conceive that Mr. Aubrey, in taking the step of which we have above advised you, must have contemplated"----(here Mr. Runnington paused for a considerable time,) "being met in a similar frank, liberal, and equitable spirit."